Do not remain isolated if safety is a major concern. There is strength in numbers.
Consider the following suggestions:
• Join a residents association and attend meetings. Get involved, no matter how small your contribution.
• Be aware of neighbourhood campaigns and community watch incentives. If there is no residents association, set one up by contacting the community policing forum in your area.
• Get to know your neighbours – their names; children; ages; what cars they drive. Take down their phone numbers.
• Have a neighbourhood/complex braai and share ideas.
• Never hesitate in reporting suspicious behaviour.
• Ensure areas are well lit – use solar lighting and cut back bushes to increase visibility.
• If you have an alarm system and are paying a security company, do not accept lax service. Link up with people who use the same company.
• Support local businesses in the area, but do not support those that have suspected drug dealers and vagrants loitering nearby. They’ll soon get the picture when trade drops.
• Use social media to keep abreast of local happenings
Mostly importantly – get involved. Many hands make light work. Don’t wait for someone else to do it – be the change you want to see.
Adrienne Milner is the owner of Weltevreden Park-based real estate agents A. Milner Realty.
