Businesses in the CBD of Vredenburg were once again targeted over the past weekend.
For many of these businesses it is not the first time this has happened, but it seems to be a cycle that keeps repeating itself.
According to Harry Lu, chairperson of the Vredenburg Business Forum, the weekend’s incidents of attempted break-ins and vandalism have not only created a sense of unease in the community, but also significantly impacted the safety perception of the area.
“Such criminal activities not only damage the property of those affected, but also disrupt the overall stability of the community,” she said. “This is a concerning situation for both residents and businesses and it requires collective attention and action.”
The business MadTech based in Lang Street suffered an attempted break-in incident on Saturday 14 September, when the gate lock was broken to try and gain access. On Monday 16 September another incident occurred where the window was broken and stock was stolen through the window and burglar bars.
Gerrie Pieterse, owner of MadTech, said the increase in crime is a concern and puts enormous pressure on their cash flow and insurance. “Our small businesses cannot afford the unnecessary expenses,” he said. “We understand that our police are not trained for the task of patrolling and that they are very limited, but something must be done.”
Businesses also feel strained by the never-ending fees spent on replacing and fixing things at their businesses. Another business in School Street also sustained a broken window on Saturday 14 September, which cost R3 170 to replace. The owner told Weslander it is getting out of hand and something drastically needs to be done.
The business of Frans van Wyk named Frankia Fietse en Kabels in Voortrekker Street once again became a casualty of crime.
On Sunday 15 September around 03:00 the alarm went off, but on arrival at the business premises the suspects were already gone. Van Wyk said the damage was immense, as one of the windows was ripped out of the frame.
He said not much had been stolen, but the biggest loss was the damage done to the building and infrastructure. “It is alarming that these things are happening to businesses,” Lu said. “You dream of being successful and then people come from outside and destroy what you have built. There is too little control over the situation. Neighbourhood Watches are doing the best they can, but we can’t [expect] them to put their lives in danger to deal with these criminals.”
Lu stated that persistent crime significantly impacts businesses in the CBD in several ways. “Firstly, increased crime reduces foot traffic as people may avoid areas perceived as unsafe, directly affecting the revenue of stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Secondly, frequent crime raises insurance premiums for business owners adding to their operational costs. Ultimately this may lead some business owners to exit the area, causing economic decline and more vacant properties.”
In addressing these issues of crime Lu said a comprehensive approach needed to be taken to enhance community safety, such as increasing police presence and patrol, encouraging community involvement and building stronger neighbourhood networks and so forth. “Finally, local governments can promote long-term community improvement plans, such as upgrading street-surveillance cameras and public spaces to create a safer environment.”
As do many other business owners, Van Wyk too shares this sentiment and is concerned about the future of the country and Vredenburg as a town.
