Midrand Police Station public meeting.

The Midrand Police Station held a public meeting to introduce a new staff member, address community issues and brainstorm new safety methods with the community.

Commander Brigadier Rienette Pieterse, who has been in the position for four weeks, was given a warm welcome. The station has divided Midrand into five sectors and Pieterse was pleased to announce that each sector has been assigned one patrol vehicle in a bid to combat crime through police visibility.

The chairman of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Steven Johnstone, revealed that police visibility in hotspots had decreased crime in those specific areas. He also commended the Metro police for their assistance in the fight against crime.

It was announced that in comparison to this period last year, Midrand has seen an increase in murder, culpable homicide, attempted vehicle theft, shoplifting and crimen injuria, among others.

Members of the public said they were pleased with the efforts of the Midrand police in ensuring a safer community – but the general feeling was that more needed to be done, as one crime is one too many.

Pieterse called on the community to continue assisting the police in the fight against crime and to be more vigilant. She said some residents were careless and left their gates open, doors unlocked or left valuable goods where they are visible.

The next meeting will be held in November.