KCVA and private security companies go on scouting mission through Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Criminals use reserve as an escape route
Proactive preparedness prevents potential problems lurking on the horizon.
Responding to the growing number of thefts and break-ins in the area, Kruin Community Voluntary Association (KCVA) guided private security companies on a reconnaissance mission through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve on November 21. Patrollers from the various role players have noted how the nature reserve is being used as a stake-out point and escape route for the area’s criminal elements.
Members of Dowry Security, Help24 Secure, Beagle Watch, Fidelity/ ADT and NYPD Security all donated time and resources to the scouting mission. With their canines sniffing the way forward, the group split into teams looking for markers, fresh trails, housebreaking implements and anything that might identify the movements and tactics of criminals.
Reaction officers from the private security companies were stationed at well-know access points in fenced-off streets that border the reserve. “Houses that border the reserve are becoming easy targets. If we identify how and where they operate we can plan and dispatch resources effectively,” said KCVA’s Daton du Toit. “We know of at least 20 houses that have had incidents. It is mainly petty theft like tools and garden items, but in two cases residents were tied up,” added Beagle Watch’s Cobus Botes.
No major incidents occurred or recoveries were made but the walk sends a message to would-be criminals. “Operations like this are about awareness. It lets everyone know we are in the area looking for solutions. It has been a great success from an awareness point of view, especially in this time of year when the crime is so high,” said Chris Diederiks from Help24 Secure.
With a regular combing of the area, the smallest disruption could safeguard residents and even save lives.
