Local neighbourhood watch fights crime proactively
Key to their success in combating crime effectively has been their role in actively working with the Durban North SAPS and local security companies.
IN recent years, the Home Hawks Neighbourhood Watch has grown from strength to strength.
The watch covers several areas, including Virginia, Durban North and parts of Glenashley.
Key to their success in combating crime effectively has been their role in actively working with the Durban North SAPS and local security companies.
Chairperson of Home Hawks Darren Clinton said another key part to their successes has been the use of WhatsApp response groups.
In February and March this year, information on one of the various response groups helped disseminate information which led to two suspects being arrested for armed robbery and copper theft.
Also read: Body washes up on Glenashley Beach
“Through these groups, we are able to coordinate a response within two minutes within the area we cover. It could be anything where help is needed in the community, be it a crime in progress or a medical emergency. Our groups are an extension of the neighbourhood watch. It is also one of the tools that enhances the watch’s capabilities with its very limited resources. That, for us, is the biggest thing when it comes to serving the community,” he said.
Clinton added that the watch currently had 52 patrollers, but he would love to see that number grow.
“As a neighbourhood watch, we are always looking for new ways to fight crime proactively. While 52 people sounds like a big number, it really isn’t when you think we have more than 3 000 residents within Sector 1B that we look after. We always need more eyes and ears from the community. We are also currently working on a project to put up various AI cameras at key strategic points within our sector to help fight crime,” he said.
Deputy chairperson Dale Nel echoed Clinton’s sentiments and spoke on the importance of the WhatsApp groups.
“In March this year, we were alerted to three suspects cutting copper cables at a home in Kentucky Drive. The message actually circulated on our groups after a resident spotted them cutting the cables. We were able to get the message out there, and working with members of Marshall Security, we were able to disrupt the crime and apprehend one of the suspects. He was found in possession of implements used to cut cables and is believed to be responsible for numerous theft incidents in the Durban North area. It is successes like these that help us to be proactive in our fight against crime,” Nel said.
Also read: Glen Anil copper thieves arrested
- To find out more on the watch, visit the Home Hawks Neighbourhood Watch on Facebook.
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