BETHAL – Mr Werner Herselman announced his resignation as chairperson of Sector 2 and as a member of the CPF board at their monthly meeting on Thursday, 27 March.
He has been actively involved with sector policing since 2007 and has been the chairperson of Sector 2 for a number of years.
He was thanked for his loyal and unselfish service to the community and the members conveyed their best wishes for his future endeavours.
Nominations are requested for a new chairperson to be elected at the next meeting in April.
Mr Herselman thanked the police and the sector members for their continuous hard work and dedication over the years.
The meeting was well attended and included members from the Bethal Police Station.
Two housebreakings during the day, as well as one theft of personal belonging of a resident when she was leaving her home with her vehicle in the morning, were reported.
Stolen items were also recovered and the police arrested two men.
The CBD remains a hotspot for theft of items out of vehicles.
The police again asked residents to refrain from leaving firearms and other electronic items inside their vehicles.
Problems identified in the sector, included the discovery of burnt cables and a cut fence of a small holding.
Suspicious vehicles driving around aimlessly, as well as suspected behaviour by some pedestrians were reported throughout the month.
Concerns were raised about members reporting suspicious activities but then not stating details such as street names, house numbers or vehicle registration numbers.
This results in delayed reaction by the patrolling members as well as the police.
“The abuse of the WhatsApp groups by members raising false alarms and requesting assistance for non CPF-related matters, are also becoming a concern,” said Mr Herselman.
The control over membership and access to these groups are hence going to be controlled even more strictly.
Residents who obtain the Sector Policing house sign boards can return them when they are no longer involved with the CPF or when they are relocating elsewhere.
Residents outside the Sector 2 boundaries are encouraged to initiate their own sector policing forums as Sector 2 volunteers already take up to two hours and 30km to patrol only once.
The limitations imposed on sector policing members were briefly explained.
“Members should refrain from detaining any person, restrict their movement or from searching them without a reasonable suspicion or proof that they have committed a crime.
“Drunkenness, domestic disputes and abuse should be reported to the police for action.”
CPF members must approach any person in a friendly and non-violent manner at all times.
The effectiveness of visible policing, CPF patrols and the quick distribution of information on suspects and activities were hailed as the determining factors for the current low crime figures.
Local businesses and community members are encouraged to get actively involved with community policing and its efforts to ensure a prosperous, safe and crime free environment for the community.
Report any crime to 017 647 9929.
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