Crime on the rise in Victoria Falls

CASES of unlawful entry are on the rise in Victoria Falls with the low-density area being the worst affected as criminals break into houses and steal valuables.

Although police could not readily give statistics on the criminal cases, residents said on a daily basis, their houses are broken into.

Criminals mostly target cellphones, laptops, shoes, and clothes among other goods.

Residents of the low-density suburb have since formed a “crime alert” WhatsApp group, a platform they use to report suspected movements of people and break-ins.

They are also working closely with police and local security companies.

“The problem is that we don’t have night patrols hence criminals take advantage of that and break into our homes. Last night, two burglars broke our window pane and stole money and cellphones through the window,” said a resident.

Another resident said on Monday, his house was broken into and the suspects could be the same thieves who returned after they thwarted their first attempt the previous night.

Residents believe the suspects are operating as a syndicate to terrorise them.

Victoria Falls City Councillor for Ward 1 Ephias Mambume in whose ward the low-density suburb falls said, the housebreaking cases have of late become prevalent.

He said there is a need to strengthen community policing and urged affected residents to share the burden of conducting night patrols.

“These cases are on the increase and we need to convene a meeting and set up some patrol teams. I suggest we should come up with a duty roster and get some volunteers to do night patrols,” said Clr Mambume.

“We need vehicles and police operations to curb this criminal activity, which is also likely to tarnish our image as a tourism city.”
Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda said they have received numerous reports of housebreaking and urged residents to secure their homes at night.

“Housebreaking cases are rampant, especially during summer because most house owners leave their windows and doors open because of the weather. We usually conduct routine patrols to try and curb criminal activities in urban areas,” he said.

“We would like to urge members of the public to embrace modern-day technology such as CCTV, alarm, and fogging systems which are very effective in terms of preventing intruders from accessing premises.”

Insp Banda urged private security companies to continue working in partnership with police and residents to fight crime.–@ncubeleon