Neighbours keep a watchfull eye on crime

PRESTONDALE was once dubbed one of the safest suburbs in South Africa, but that all changed a few years ago when roads were opened in the new industrial area behind Gateway.

But Prestondale Neighbourhood Watch hopes to change the current situation with the help of residents of the area, this after an increase of incidents in a very short space of time.

According to Prestondale Neighbourhood Watch’s Tracey Honeysett, there was a attempted house robbery in Quail Close on 16 August. She added there was a shootout between security guards and the robbers.

There were two incidents in Chestnut Crescent. A car was stolen on 11 August and a pregnant woman and her domestic worker were held up by five armed men in their home recently as well.

“For 20 years Prestondale was known as the safest suburb in South Africa. Then they opened Preston Drive in mid 2012 and that’s when criminals started targetting the area,” said Honeysett.

It was because of the sudden increase in crime that the neighbourhood watch decided to boost security in the area.

“The commercial developments behind Gateway have offered to put up cameras in the area,” Honeysett added.

Another member of the Prestondale Neighbourhood Watch, Kerwin van Niekerk, said: “We want to establish a relationship with Morelands Developments. We hope to establish a partnership with them to motivate more residents to join the neighbourhood watch.”

Van Niekerk added there would be day and nighttime patrols in the area.

“Enough is enough. We baught here because it was known to be a safe area,” Van Niekerk added.

A request has also been sent to eThekwini Municipality for the installation of traffic calming measures in Herwood Drive.

“There is a junior and high school in the area, as well as three pre-primary schools and two old age homes, so speeding in the area could lead to something very tragic,” Honeysett said.

To join the neighbourhood watch, email Tracey at prestondalecommunity@gmail.com or contact 082 442 8365.