“Crime statistics for Middelvlei, Hillside and Ten Acres have dropped. It is believed to be due to the presence of the neighbourhood watch,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Moeti, who started the Sector 5(3) Neighbourhood Watch three years ago with Sergeant Wilson Molokomme.
This after the two officers paid the sector a visit.
Both were pleasantly surprised to see how well sector 5(3) has been doing over the years. Moeti continued to say the neighbourhood watch and community is needed for the fight against crime.
“We only have one vehicle for Pelzvale to Brandvlei. We are looking at getting a second vehicle but in the meantime, we need the neighbourhood watch and their patrol cars to keep their eyes open. It’s a large area for us to cover with one vehicle.”
Moeti also warned members that for selling second hand goods, a permit is needed. There are three kinds; one for selling on a premises, a temporary permit, and a mobile permit.
Furthermore, he suggested that the watch get hand cuffs or cable ties to apprehend suspects but stressed that no suspect is to be harmed by the watch.
In addition, Moeti stated that all plot owners should take their workers to the Randfontein police station to be fingerprinted as well as to take a photo of them for future reference in the event of crime.
“Most times it is the people who work for you that steal from you. You would fire someone and not know who he is and later he comes to rob you. Even if you have foreigners working on your farm, bring them to be identified so we know where to look should theft happen.”
Lastly, Moeti said, “it is winter now. Criminals are very active during this time. There is no relaxing. This is when you should be most alert.”
DA ward Councillor Gerhard Kruger was also present in the meeting and started a recycling project in the area to eliminate the need to dump illegally. The project has since collected over R500 that will be pumped back into the neighbourhood watch.
In terms of housekeeping for the neighbourhood watch, it is being looked into to get better quality radios. The watch is also looking at donations for their first aid kit as they have a designated person who treats medical injuries.
Crimes known to the neighbourhood watch for the month of May:
• Attempted housebreaking
• Breaking in
• Steyn Street collision, one dead
• Truck overturned on R559, no injuries
• Car stolen and later found
• Tampering with a door
For more information about the neighbourhood watch send an email to sector5three@gmail.com.
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Also read:
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