RiverWel Residents Association held a crime-awareness campaign, July 7.
Assisted by Honeydew police and their dedicated security provider, Community Support Services (CSS), the team handed out flyers and had conversations with residents. Due to a handful of incidents, including an attempted house robbery and attempted theft out of a motor vehicle, the foot patrol focused on Palmiet, Saffraan and Denne Avenues as well as Nala Street.
Honeydew police’s Sector 2 manager, Warrant Officer Nicholas Makhura, wished to remind residents not to let their guard down. Among the tips posted to gates, residents were reminded to always keep doors and security gates closed or locked, check security systems regularly, and report suspicious activities as soon as possible. In an incident during the crime-awareness walk which highlighted the point, RiverWel members and police spent over five minutes trying to get the attention of a resident whose street-facing front door was wide open and would have been a prime opportunity for passing criminals.
Regarding motor vehicle related thefts, vehicle owners are reminded to always keep their vehicles locked and not leave valuables visible to prying eyes looking in. The parking lots of shopping malls are areas often exploited and police urge shoppers to always be mindful not to rush away from their vehicles, but pause for a few moments to ensure all doors have been locked.
Vigilance towards one’s own property is essential but so is the need to have strong connection with neighbours in all streets of a suburb. To promote this necessary unity, RiverWel will be having a residents fun day that will feature boerewors rolls, a jumping castle for the children and a display by CSS. All residents are encouraged to come to the neatly manicured lawns between Amarant Street and Dolfhout Street on Saturday July 16 between 10:00 and 14:00 to mingle with neighbours.
RiverWel RA covers everything between Jim Fouche and the N1 highway, boxed in by Beyers Naude Drive, JG Strydom Road and Cornelius Street. They have seven committee members who are on the hunt for fresh blood to drive the interests of the community forward, either through safety, security, good relationships or common understandings.
