Police partner with UJ to ensure students’ safety
BRIXTON –The Crime Prevention Campaign will run from 16 to 20 October.
The prevalence of crime-related incidents reported by students has risen at the Brixton Police Station.
The University of Johannesburg has partnered with the Brixton police in an awareness campaign focusing on improving the safety and security of students. The campaign will run from 16 to 20 October.
Brixton police spokesperson, Jeanette Backhoff said there are a number of cases opened at the station by students reporting theft of cellphones, laptops and other personal items.
“Most of the time this crime is due to negligence, whereby students will walk home from the university with their cellphones and laptops visible. Students can get involved in community projects by showing interest in what is happening in their community. They can also educate other students about safety,” said Backhoff.
University of Johannesburg spokesperson, Herman Esterhuizen said due to the extent of crime in South Africa, the university approaches this issue in collaboration with the South African police, the local municipality and ward councillors. By doing so, the university contributes to the promotion of a safe environment inside and outside university.
“Although the awareness campaign is scheduled for a few days, it’s an unending campaign to ensure the safety of our students. The campaign will, among other aspects, create awareness on how to go about reporting potential criminal actions and police emergencies as street crime is on the increase in most large cities,” said Esterhuizen.
He added through this campaign, students will be encouraged to be street smart, plan their routes in advance and be more alert. Safety tips and other security measures to guard against crimes such as theft, will also form part of the awareness campaign.
“The university will also take this opportunity to reintroduce the external safety routes near the UJ campuses, urging students to familiarise themselves with the routes under our surveillance. We have deployed 24–hour foot patrol security personnel on these routes in an attempt to limit potential street crime.”
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