Residents of Austin View recently contributed money to buy equipment for new volunteers of the Austin View Community Policing Forum in a bid to fight the scourge of crime in the area.
Spokesperson for Rabie Ridge Police Station, Captain Mofana Masela said the community’s initiative came as a result of increased robberies in the area.
Residents held a meeting on 29 November on Terrier Road where 15 community members patrolled the area with the local police in an effort to decrease the high rate of robberies.
“The community dug deep into their pockets to buy equipment to use during patrols. The sector commander took fingerprints for vetting and encouraged more residents to join the cause,” said Masela.
Read also Gang robberies on the rise Rabie Ridge
Items that were bought included 22 radios, eight bulletproof vests, pepper sprays, high powered torches, vehicle flashes and hand flashes to scare away criminals. The new forum members signed crime prevention memorandums and were given notices to mobilise more patrollers in the community.
“The residents were happy with the support they received from the Austin View Police Station commander, Colonel David Tsotsotso for sending his team to improve community policing to address crime in the area,” added Masela.
The Rabie Ridge Community Policing Forum will host a festive season crime awareness event at 5 Terrier Road in Austin View on 16 December.
Details: For more information about the forum or the event, contact sector commander Sergeant Mzamani Xirindza on 082 301 1709.
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