ENFORCE Security is strongly urging Berea and Morningside residents to reclaim control of their neighbourhoods and work together to fight the “horrendous” levels of crime that are plaguing their communities.
Hijackings, robberies, and burglaries have been particularly rife in the two areas over the past few months, while the high number of vehicle crimes is also concerning.
Crime statistics for the areas reveal that from 1 January 2016 to 10 May 2016, approximately 120 burglaries – both residential and business – occurred, while 32 robberies, 12 hijackings, and almost 50 cases of vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, or theft out of vehicles were recorded. Other serious crimes include rape and murder.
Nikki Möhlmann, Enforce’s Community Projects Manager, said Enforce, the UIPs, CPFs, and police were working around the clock to stop the scourge, with some key arrests already made. Möhlmann is, however, appealing to residents not involved in neighbourhood watches or community watch groups to join in and be proactive in keeping themselves, their families, and their neighbours safe.
“We also need more residents to have their alarm systems linked to our Community Watchmen Towers in the areas. As soon as an alarm is triggered the camera it is linked to will switch on and our operators can see live footage of what is happening. We can then dispatch the appropriate response.
“The cameras also help us identify the suspects, who we can then track down and arrest. All footage is sent to the SAPS and viewed by Enforce’s private investigators.”
Möhlmann said certain roads would soon also be armed with virtual street beams connected to the Watchmen cameras. These beams will be installed in specific project areas, particularly in quiet roads where not a lot of traffic – human or vehicle, occurs. As soon as a person or vehicle crosses the beam the Watchmen camera is turned on.
“This is very helpful during the early hours of the morning when the only ‘traffic’ would, more than likely, be a result of someone up to no good. Our technology is really advanced and able to make a difference, so we need as many residents as possible to get on board.”
In areas where such steps had been taken, crime levels were drastically reduced, Möhlmann said. She also urged residents to be more involved in their communities.
“We really need more community projects. We need people to take a stand and get involved in their areas; to participate. Only if we do this and start working together as residents, private security, and police, can we see change.”
Möhlmann also advised residents to be alert and report any suspicious activity to the police or Enforce.
Grant Smith, chairman of both the Montpelier Road Security Initiative and the Berea Crisis Centre, as well as a member of the Berea CPF exco, echoed this, saying that the crimes were occurring at any time of the night and day.
“They are driving around our areas; they are walking around. People need to be aware of what is happening around them. If you see something suspicious, report it. If you come home late at night and would like an escort, ask your security company to do so.
“If anything happens, alert your fellow residents; join a community Whatsapp group and send out these warnings and alerts.”
