ECPF calls on community for support
“We need the support of businesses behind the project,”
Edenvale Community Policing Forum continues to grow from strength to strength, but to do this the forum needs the community’s support.
Established in mid-2018, Edenvale CPF has created a network of community cameras used in partnership with law enforcement agencies to reduce crime in the greater Edenvale area.
The forum has over 30 cameras installed across Edenvale but with the community’s assistance hopes to install more.
ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell said numerous suspects have been apprehended with the assistance of the cameras since the project’s implementation.
She said in some instances law enforcement officials recover stolen or hijacked vehicles before cases are opened because of the cameras.
“If you are a victim of crime report the matter as soon as possible so that there is a case number,” said Damerell.
“The sooner crimes are reported the better.”
Damerell said although the cameras assist police, EMPD and security companies, there are costs involved to run and maintain it.
In light of this ECPF launched an adopt-a-camera campaign which will allow the community to support the project and help reduce crime in Edenvale and surrounding areas.
“We need the support of businesses behind the project,” emphasised Damerell.
She said because of Edenvale’s location, vehicles from across the region travel through town, making the project extremely important.
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“The project is making a difference; our success rate is nearly 100%.”
Damerell and three members of the ECPF have also been trained to identify when a car has been ‘deep cloned’ to assist with investigations.
Besides calling on the community to support the camera project, ECPF encourages residents to become members of its neighbourhood watch and patrollers.
“We are a relatively big, strong team but we are always looking for new volunteers and members to join,” said Damerell.
“Everything we do is done on a volunteer basis and for the best interest of Edenvale.”
“Community members should not join if they have a hidden agenda.”
Damerell said residents of Sector One are invited to attend a sector meeting on June 13.
Set to be hosted at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Elma Park the meeting will be held to vote on new committee members for the sector.
Damerell said meetings in other sectors and the ECPF’s broader forum meeting will follow once dates have been established.
For information about the ECPF and the camera project email info@edenvalecpf.co.za and nhw@edenvalecpf.co.za respectively.
Alternatively, visit their Facebook page.
