Concern at ‘seasonal’ spike in crime as NMMU reopens

THE influx of thousands of students and increased traffic volumes in two Port Elizabeth suburbs near the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) are driving a “seasonal” crime spike.

This is according to the Beach Safety Sector Forum chairman and a Summerstrand resident, who recently fell victim to a burglary.

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that there was a “seasonal” increase in criminal activity when the university reopened.

NMMU spokeswoman Roslyn Baatjies said the institution was aware of the situation and pointed out its students were also targets of crime.

Forum chairman John Preller said there was no doubt crime picked up in Humewood and Summerstrand at this time of year.

“Some students may become involved as a consequence of running out of money. And students also fall victim to opportunistic criminal elements who take advantage of increased traffic volumes and [an increased] number of people in the area.”

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I moved into [the] Summerstrand on December 2, all was quiet and peaceful until university reopened.

-Xolisa Phillip