The Din-Al-View CPF is urging the community to enter into a 100 per cent partnership with the police.
“This is not designed to insult you or make you paranoid; the idea is to actually empower you to do something positive to not allow crime to get to you,” said Jean Ingram, the Din-Al-View chairman.
“To use an old saying, ‘Don’t be the weak link in the chain’.
“Criminals will follow the path of least resistance.
“So, what can you and I do to start moving in a positive direction to reduce crime?”
She urged people to act on their suspicions and to rely on their natural intuition and become responsible citizens.
“Report suspects,” she said.
“Don’t have the attitude of ‘The police won’t do anything anyway,’ or ‘I don’t want to wait on hold.’
“If you do not make the call, do not blame anyone but yourself if that person commits a crime.
“We are all creatures of habit, but we need to change our bad habits, which could endanger us, and change them into good habits that keep us alert and proactive.
“One habit that might not sound like a habit is changing your routines.
“It takes a criminal, one day, to learn that you leave home at a certain time, you drive a certain route, get to work at a certain time, park in the same space, etc.
“There will always be something in your life you can change periodically to keep your mind sharp and be less of an easy target.”
Ingram added that people should spread the philosophy of asking: “What can I do to prevent it?” and turn this into action.
“A good start is setting up small procedures or fall safes in case of an emergency,” she added.
“These can be for home, work, or even in the car.
“Do your children know what to do if you have an accident?
“By preparing for most eventualities effectively, you empower yourself and can be content to lead a happy life, free from fear or worry.”
The community is reminded that the Din-Al-View CPF’s monthly public meetings take place on the last Wednesday of every month.
The areas covered by the CPF are Dinwiddie, Albemarle, Castleview and Union, and residents are urged to attend.
The next meeting is set to take place today (Wednesday, October 26), at 6.30pm, at Dinwiddie High School, in Baldock Avenue, Dinwiddie.
For more information on the CPF visit www.dinalview.co.za
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