Fairland CPF gives community update on issues affecting the precint

The Fairland CPF held its September monthly meeting at the Mosaïek Church to update the community on recent news and developments.

Fairland Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas gave an overview of criminal activity in the precinct for the last reporting period and noticed a general downward trend across the board.

“As we move toward the end of the year, and the festive season, we need to continue with our visible policing activities and increased efforts to keep our community safe.”

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He said in the coming weeks, and up until the new year, there will be a significant increase in operations and high-impact campaigns which the community should be aware of. “As always, our area is in good hands as the CPF, its patrollers and private security companies work for hand in glove with us to combat crime.”

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A topic that garnered much discussion was the Smit Street Park adjacent to the Fairland Pikitup municipal dump. The area has been problematic for many years and police are unsure what measures can be taken to remedy the unhealthy and filthy state of the area.

De Freitas explained, “When we do our frequent checks of the area and make arrests, we are unable to arrest and keep offenders who are released after being charged for by-law infringements. We process the individuals, fingerprint them and so on, but it is difficult to stop them from returning to the area where they become repeat offenders.”

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Chairman of the CPF Dr Gulam Karim agreed, saying, “The site is so badly run by Pikitup and it is a massive problem for security. Nobody is sure how to resolve it. We do recommend the community desist from dumping items there which people want and therefore congregate there for. The same goes for people who provide food and comfort items to them. We need a balance between a humanitarian approach and one that is realistic about the security threats, largely enhanced by the excessive alcohol abuse by those living rough in the area.”

Warrant Officer David Malan reported that the Community In Blue (CIB) patrollers worked for 230 hours in the last month, and have 26 active members with a couple of new applications tendered. “This is a huge contribution to our station as the additional eyes and ears in the streets are invaluable.”

The Victim Support Unit also had a busy month with 26 face-to-face engagements assisting the community with everything from suicide, to those with suicidal ideation and natural death. They have eight volunteers now who go on call-outs including two new members.

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A finance update was provided showing the body to be in ‘good financial shape’ which will enable the various community project and police station improvements to be made in the coming months.

Linked to fundraising is the upcoming and much-anticipated Fairland CPF market. Public relations officer Mike Styer said they were expecting the event to be a huge success with 160 stalls offering a wide variety of goods for sale.

“We encourage the community to join us for this important and fun day in our area and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces there.” He said dogs are more than welcome provided they are on a leash.

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The market will be held at Market Street Park on October 9 from 9am.