There is no stopping the CPI

The CPI highlighted that during the festive season they only had one break-in at the Cosmos Old Age Home, but otherwise, crime has decreased in the suburb.

The Community Patrollers Initiative (CPI) committee members holding CPI vehicle and house number logos: Johan van der Heever, Alida Jordaan and Anton Botha.

The Community Patrollers Initiative (CPI) in Van Dyk Park is still going strong in curbing crime.

The CPI falls under the umbrella of the CPF and its role is to keep Van Dyk Park crime-free.

Last year the CPI introduced smart street cameras in the suburb. Seven surveillance cameras were installed in strategic streets, including exit and entrance points in Van Dyk Park.

According to CPI chairperson Anton Botha, they now have 10 cameras and 10 polls in some of the streets in Van Dyk Park.

“We have received so much support from the community and sponsors. We also welcomed 60 to 70 residents who also joined the CPI.

“They really work hard in alerting us about suspicious-looking vehicles and people.”

Botha said they now have CPI vehicles and house logos, which helps them at night to find houses.

“These logos also assist in preventing criminals in gaining access to people’s houses. If someone who is not a member let us know criminals are in their house, we assist because we are here to serve the community.

“We don’t sideline non-members.”

He said residents are still paying the R60 donation every month, which goes towards the maintenance of the camera system, rent for the control room, insurance for content in the control room and the emergency cellphone.

Botha highlighted they are still working hand in hand with the Dawn Park SAPS.

“We still have a once-a-month meeting with the SAPS where we discuss our issues.”

Botha said they have managed to nab cable thieves, ATM card swappers and house robbers.

Johan van der Heever of the CPI said some of the challenges they face on a day to day basis are people who are ignorant towards their own safety until something happens.

“When we convince them to look after their and their neighbours’ safety by having at least five numbers of people who live around them, some of them are not interested.

“Some of our major successes last year was when we managed to nab cellphone battery suspects,” van der Heever said.