Norwood CPF to launch Drug Watch

Norwood Community Policing Forum and other stakeholders will launch a Drug Watch, targeting Orange Grove as part of a drug awareness drive in the area.

The forum’s chairperson, Duncan Barker said the launch will be on 4 October at Orange Grove Park at the intersections of 12th Street, 13th Street and 9th Avenue, Orange Grove, from 9am to 1pm.

Barker said the stakeholders included the Metro and Norwood police, City of Johannesburg, community and rehabilitation organisations, the local drug action committee for Ward 73, and addiction councillors.

He said the project was spearheaded by the Sector 4 Crime Forum in conjunction with the Norwood Community Policing Forum. “They have put together an agenda and there should be lots to keep our community informed and entertained. The target for this awareness drive is our youth and also to inform our community on how to report and get drugs off our streets,” he said.

Barker added that the forum was also looking for funding to assist them in making the event have a lasting effect on drug issues within Orange Grove.

A resident, Chad Thomas of IRS Forensic Investigations, stated that he supported the anti-drug and anti-crime initiative. Thomas said, “The link between illegal drug abuse and socio-economic related crime is well known. Because of Louis Botha Avenue being a main arterial between the city and Sandton, Orange Grove has become a major pick-up point for illegal drugs.”

Thomas stated that this resulted in an increase in ‘undesirables’ coming into the area and causing problems.

“I think that it is a great initiative on the part of the Norwood Community Policing Forum and I commend the chairperson, Duncan Barker and the station management of Norwood police for the role that they have played in making our suburb and surrounds a safer area.”