The criminals have won

Criminals are having a jol in Roodepoort and sad to say, it’s going to stay that way until we work toward a solution.

One murder, at least two attempted hijackings, one successful hijacking and numerous attempts of theft all took place in Roodepoort this past week.

Sadly, we cannot complain until we take action ourselves. Gone are the days where our tax money ensured basic, properly-implemented services.

I think we get too obsessed with our own safety, that we forget about the bigger picture; our community.

To install CCTV cameras all over your property could ensure a level of security at your home, but it does nothing to bring down the crime level in your street, not to mention your suburb. Why should we be bothered? Because in reality you can be hit by crime in your street or elsewhere in your suburb – outside the comfort of your home.

Whether you like your privacy or not, you will never be safe unless you start contributing towards the security of your community. Join a neighbourhood watch, convince your neighbours to invest with you to install security cameras in your street and attend police and CPF meetings in your area. These options can already ensure a level of safety in your area.

Yes, I know, all of this costs money. Some will even say it’s part of an organised plan (increase crime to create a demand for security services. Think about it like this; a lump sum of money now and a nominal monthly membership fee compared to a lifetime of worry, undetermined loss to the hands of criminals and possibly death. Which options seems the most sensible.

The resources are all there to ensure safe and secure living, but without cooperation from you, the resident, you will remain vulnerable.