Local police have pledged to do everything in their power to combat crime in Brakpan.
It is a job they admit, however, is impossible without the backing of the whole community.
Sitting down with the Herald on Monday, station commander Brig Fredl Jonck shared his vision for a crime-free town, one which, according to him, can only be realised if residents and businesses work with the police.
“Crime in Brakpan is still high and we are fighting it all the time, yet we are still having the same problems,” he said, citing burglaries and vehicle theft as the most reported crimes in the area.
“To make a real difference, we need unity and all role players on board.”
Jonck’s tenure at the helm has seen the introduction of a crime forum for local businesses.
These quarterly meetings are aimed at bringing businesses and the SAPS together, where plans of action are put in place to address crime issues affecting local companies.
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While they are generally well attended, the station commander wants to see the number of attendees swell.
“Some only attend these meetings now and again, while others don’t attend at all,” he said.
“It is like we are working against each other.”
Jonck reflected on the initial success that followed a meeting held in September in which local security companies and neighbourhood watch groups committed to working together with the police in ridding the town of crime.
Jonck told the Herald the meeting had a positive outcome and produced welcome results, but it is not yet making a real difference to crime statistics.
“If we are really serious about fighting crime, then we need to do better and the action needs to be ongoing,” he said.
The top cop also expressed his concern about the community’s reluctance to get involved in combatting crime “until it affects them”.
“Residents need to play a bigger role and we need people to join the CPF,” he said.
Jonck explained that this involvement included paying heed to police tips and warnings.
“If you have been warned not to leave valuables in plain sight in your car and these valuables are stolen, is it not the police who are blamed for not doing their job?” he asked.
“It is only when someone has a problem that they listen to the police, otherwise they simply don’t care.”
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Despite this, Jonck is a firm believer that the community is the eyes and ears of the police and encouraged residents to always report suspicious activities, vehicles or people to the SAPS.
“We can and will do better if we all join hands,” he added.
The next business forum meeting will be held next month, with the date to be confirmed closer to the time.
For more information about joining the CPF, contact the police station on 011 744 4940.
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