At the monthly Edenvale Community Police Forum’s meeting on August 31, working together to create a safer community was the message for the evening.
During the chairperson’s report Mrs Linda McKenzie said it was important for the community to stand together.
“We are one community fighting crime; security starts with us,” said Mrs McKenzie.
Mrs McKenzie told community members to make use of the WhatsApp crime groups but not to post unnecessary messages on these groups.
She said that by posting unnecessary messages the relevant authorities, including the SAPS, lose valuable information.
At the meeting Colonel Robbie Roberts, acting station commander at the Edenvale Police Station, addressed some of the crime concerns in Edenvale.
Col Roberts said it is important to pack away objects such as garden tools to prevent suspects from using them during the robberies.
Some of the tips given by Col Roberts to prevent residential robberies included:
- Â Packing away garden tools and other loose objects that could assist suspects.
- Â Being aware.
- Â Making sure that the house is secure and locked.
- Â Providing information to domestic workers and gardeners with information on what to do when they are home alone.
Col Roberts said theft of motor vehicles still remained a concern for the SAPS.
He said the areas in which these crimes primarily take place are Sector 1 and Sector 2.
“The cars that are targeted are Volkswagens, Hyundai pick-ups and Toyotas,” said Col Roberts.
Col Roberts said community members should park their car in a secure location and ensure that the car itself is locked.
He urged the community to report incidents as quickly as possible and encouraged communication.
He said the community must be alert and be as descriptive as possible when reporting a crime.
“Let’s work together and not point fingers,” said Col Roberts.
Col Roberts said there needs to be an attitude change and the community needs to work together and fight crime.
During the report from the Edenvale Detectives Department, head of detectives Colonel Ben Baloyi said 325 cases were opened between August 1 and August 31.
Col Baloyi said in the month of August 126 arrests were made.
He said some of the crimes that made up the arrests included:
- Â Drug-related crimes.
- Â Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Â House robberies
- Â Residential burglaries.
Mrs McKenzie told those attending the meeting that the Edenvale CPF would hold a fund-raising event.
Movies Under the Stars will take place on October 21 at Edenvale High School.
She said the the event will be used to raise funds for the Edenvale CPF neighborhood watch so that equipment such as reflective bibs and torches can be bought.
For more information on the event community members can contact Mrs McKenzie on 083 973 7093.
The monthly Edenvale CPF meeting take place at Fahrenheit restaurant in Edenvale at 7pm every last Wednesday of the month.
