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Nqobile Tshili @nqotshili
POLICE in Bulawayo have said there has been an increase in the number of residents making false reports as a way of concealing their criminal activities.

This emerged during the launch of a crime awareness campaign led by provincial crime prevention officer Chief Superintendent Marshal Dube.

Speaking during the campaign early this week, Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube said most of the false reports were coming from members of burial societies.

“We’ve noted with concern the increase in the number of false reports being made by members of the public. Most of these false reports are made by members of burial societies who would have used monies of the associations and realising that they would be in trouble they make these reports,” said Asst Insp Ncube.

He said in most cases, police investigations expose the reports to be false .

Asst Insp Ncube said the crime awareness campaign was driven by the realisation that members of the public needed to be educated to secure their properties.

He said the fact that property worth over $2 million was stolen in the city between April and June called for corrective measures to be taken.

“We’ve noted with concern the increase in number of theft from vehicles. Thieves have also become sophisticated and take advantage of technologies to commit theft in vehicles,” said Asst Insp Ncube.

“As police we want to encourage members of the public to participate in the protection of their properties. We’re going to be conducting this campaign periodically. We’re starting in the Central Business District where most of these crimes are being committed.”