Businesses in the Verulam CBD continue to grapple with persistent crime, with shoplifting, robberies, and drug-related offences creating an environment of fear that stakeholders say is driving customers away and threatening the area’s economic future.

The latest incident unfolded on Tuesday, July 7, after three alleged drug users targeted a business in the Verulam CBD.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), officers were patrolling the CBD when they were alerted by complainants that three suspects had stolen merchandise from a nearby store. Officers spotted the suspects fleeing on foot and gave chase towards the R102.

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During the pursuit, two stolen hotplate stoves were recovered before the suspects escaped through a shortcut into the nearby taxi rank.

A subsequent search of the area uncovered four more hotplate stoves hidden in bushes along the embankment between Todd Street and the R102.

The recovered property, consisting of four Aruif brand units and two Blutek brand units, was returned to the business owner.

The store owner alleged that the suspects entered the shop pretending to be customers before each grabbed several hotplate stoves and fled.

He further claimed the same individuals had targeted his business only days earlier and stole several more hotplate stoves.

The incident is one of many examples highlighting growing concerns over crime in the Verulam CBD. According to Verulam Business Forum chairperson, Roshan Lil-Ruthan, although official crime statistics may indicate a slight decline compared to the previous year, the reality experienced by businesses and residents paints a different picture.

“Crime in the Verulam CBD remains a very serious concern. Drug-related offences, robberies and assaults are happening openly, often in broad daylight. We have seen incidents where elderly people are attacked at knifepoint, while the open sale of drugs near schools and parks has become a common sight,” he said.

Lil-Ruthan added that the open consumption of alcohol on pavements had also become a major concern. “The open boot pavement consumption of alcohol in the CBD must be stamped out permanently. This creates a shebeen environment in the CBD which is unattractive to consumers,” he said.

He added that business owners most frequently report drug-related offences, shoplifting, petty theft and robberies, with substance abuse increasingly driving criminal activity.

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“Many business owners have pointed out that shoplifting and petty theft are often linked to individuals battling drug addiction. The open drug trade in areas like Gandhi Park is feeding a cycle where addicts steal to fund their habits, while dealers continue to thrive because there is demand. This is not just a policing problem – it is a social crisis that requires rehabilitation and intervention alongside enforcement,” he explained.

The impact on the local economy has been significant, according to Lil-Ruthan.

“Customers no longer feel safe coming into the CBD and many prefer to shop in Cornubia, Phoenix or Umhlanga where they feel more secure. Businesses are losing money through theft and reduced foot traffic. Security costs have increased, while some long-standing businesses have already closed or relocated,” he said.

The Verulam Business Forum is working with Verulam SAPS, sector policing, Metro Police and private security companies to improve safety through increased patrols, intelligence sharing and stop-and-search operations.

The forum has also called for the reopening of the satellite police station at the bus rank, while urging the municipality to improve lighting, install CCTV cameras, remove illegal traders and conduct regular clean-up operations.

Looking ahead, Lil-Ruthan said stronger policing alone would not solve the problem.

“We need urban renewal, rehabilitation programmes for addicts, youth employment initiatives, infrastructure investment and stronger community engagement. We have also demanded that Verulam SAPS receive the personnel and vehicle resources needed to operate as a fully resourced brigadier station. The same support is needed for Metro Police if we are serious about tackling crime in Verulam,” he concluded.