Everything you need to know about Randburg CPF
The Randburg CPF is active and encourages community members to get in touch to learn how they can stay safe.
“The lull we saw in crime during Covid-19 is over, crime is on the up again. It is so important for people to join their local Community Policing Forum (CPF) and do what they can to stay safe.”
These were the words of Randburg CPF deputy chairperson Ian Joule, though not everyone knows how the forum works and how they can become involved.
Every police station in South Africa is required by law to have a functioning CPF as a platform for communication exchange between the police and the community.
“The police can tell people about crime trends and how to stay safe, and community members can tell police about many of the incidents, especially those that have not been reported and seen cases opened officially,” said CPF chairperson Kerry Wetton.
Joule and Wetton said smaller incidents such as intruders wall-hopping between properties, suspicious vehicles seen on camera in the area, and minor theft or items that are only noticed as being stolen weeks later, were not often reported to the police.
But records of incidents such as these are kept by the forum and often highlight trends or preparations made by criminals before crimes are committed.
“Information like this is so important because only about 30% of crime is ever reported, so we help produce a bigger picture of crime,” Joule added.
“Police can then send their resources where it is needed.”
Details of incidents are shared on the WhatsApp groups of the precinct’s three sectors but primarily at each sector’s monthly meetings at the station.
There, the police sector managers, heads of security companies, representatives of residents’ associations and members of the forum discuss incidents of crime.
Any interested party or resident may attend and the meetings are at 18:00 on a date determined by the forum each month.
Currently, Sector 1 has its meetings on Zoom, Sector 2 holds them in-person as well as on Zoom and Sector 3 has its meetings in person.
A larger public meeting incorporating all three sectors is scheduled for 18:00 on May 8, and Wetton encouraged community members to attend.
QR code
The CPF also utilises a QR code for community members to anonymously report complaints or feedback to the forum and the police station.
“The CPF monitors this to ensure that follow-up is done,” Joule said.
Recent incidents of crime
Joule said the majority of crime was committed during the day rather than at night, contrary to popular belief.
So being aware of how one can stay safe is vital to prevent one from becoming a victim.
Randburg CPF has identified a spike in opportunistic crimes including theft, armed robberies and housebreakings.
“Residents need to be aware of the crime happening around them. At home, make sure your alarm and security beams work and turn them on even when you are home. When you are out, make sure that whoever is at home is safety-conscious and does not just let anyone onto the property. Often criminals pose as municipal workers,” Wetton added.
When going out shopping, she said residents should pack their valuables into their car boots before they leave home, and leave them in the boots when they did not need them.
Often criminals will break a car window to gain access if they see valuables in the vehicle.
When walking or running on the road, valuables should be left at home or at least out of sight.
The forum also shares information on its Facebook page
Details: Randburg Community Policing Forum randburgprecinctcpf@gmail.com; Ian Joule 078 385 6813; Kerry Wetton 083 272 2406.
The forum has a constitution and this includes the following functions and objectives:
Functions of Randburg CPF
- To promote the accountability of the SAPS to communities and encourage cooperation between communities and the police service
- To advise the provincial commissioner and the Department of Community Safety regarding local policing priorities
- To report results of any evaluation regarding service delivery to the community and relevant managers within the service at station level
- To facilitate the resolution of concerns, problems and complaints
- To support and implement activities presented by Province through the Board
- To submit monthly reports to the Cluster Board, which in turn are elevated quarterly to the MEC, the provincial commissioner and the National Community Police Board
- To integrate community awareness campaigns and activities in line with the Community Safety Plans and to direct and evaluate the implementation thereof.
Sector 1 comprises Bordeaux North and South, Clynton/Riepen Park, Craighall, Hurlingham, Glenadrienne, Hurlingham Manor, Hurlingham Village, Lyme Park, Randburg CBD and Willowild.
Sector 2 comprises Epsom Downs, Bryanston East, Cowdray Park, Mill Hill, Cramerview, Solridge, Country Life Park, Gleniffer, Bryanston West, Bryanston (west of Main Road and William Nicol Drive).
Sector 3 comprises Ferndale (north of Republic Road), Strijdom Park, Beverly Gardens, Vandia Grove, O’summit, Bryanston Manor, Daniel Brink Park, Brian Brink, Kensington B, Malanshof, and Praegville.
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