New crime combatting mobile app to assist neighborhood watches
When a neighbourhood watch member is on patrol, the app will track their location live to ensure they are called to the right scene and they are offered back-up when needed.
To combat crime effectively, AfriForum has launched a mobile app to help neighbourhood watch teams quickly pass on information, call for help and gather information.
The app will improve the safety and response time of neighbourhood watch patrollers.
Neighbourhood watch members only have to press a few buttons to report an incident from a list of types of incidents and the coordinates are also immediately collected so possible hotspots may easily be identified.
They can also indicate on the app if they are on- or off duty.
AfriForum’ Moreleta Park chairperson, Dewald la Grange, said the app is a game changer in the fight against crime.
“When a neighbourhood watch member is on patrol, the app will track their location live to ensure they are called to the right scene and offered back-up when the need arises.”
La Grange said members can also record voice messages and videos, and take photos on the app to pass on information about incidents.
He said community members in Moreleta Park who want to join the neighbourhood watch can contact him.
“The members will be provided with training and equipment free of charge to use when on duty,” La Grange said.
Pretoria east resident Jean Jonker said he welcomed advanced technology in the fight against crime.
“However an app like this will need resources to be effective.”
He said Gauteng Provincial Government has also launched a panic button app.
“My main concern is that if you release an app, you need to have the resources to respond within 8 minutes. That is why we felt that the best course is to first build up your response and then you can look at an app. To respond to rural areas within minutes can be very challenging.”
According Jacques Broodryk, the organisation’s spokesperson for community safety, the organisation regularly deploys new technology to serve as a force multiplier.
“This application is a major breakthrough in our efforts to make our patrollers’ work easier and thus increase their efficiency. The information collected can also be used to monitor and analyse crime trends to take better action against them.”
The application will also contain patrollers’ essential information such as the contact details of next of kin, medical aid information, the AfriForum branch the patroller is affiliated with and so on.
To join the neighbourhood watch, contact Dewald la Grange on 081 566 7578.
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