Fidelity ADT security has issued a call for South African to become involved with their local community safety groups.
Managing executive for Fidelity ADT, Stuart Clarkson said, “If we stand together with our next-door neighbours and look after each other, we can make our suburbs ‘no-go zones’ for criminals.”
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Clarkson recommended that if you have just moved into a new suburb, that you make an effort to meet the people who live next door as soon as possible and share contact details with them.
Though not all communities have the energy or appetite to set up a formal neighbourhood watch, this does not mean that residents can’t organise something themselves. “If you don’t have a community watch, we suggest setting up regular meetings with the local police to workshop ideas on how you could assist them in keeping the area safe.
“It could be as simple as just sharing tips and advice and having a reliable list of contact details for each other. The point is, we all have a part to play and we simply can no longer be idle bystanders when it comes to our own safety,” said Clarkson.
He strongly urged anyone who lives in an area where a neighbourhood or community watch has already been set up, to become involved with the organisation as a matter of urgency.
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Clarkson said it is also very important to introduce yourself and your children to your neighbours. You can, for instance, agree to keep an eye on each other’s children when they are playing in the garden. Teach your children to go over to one of your neighbours if they are home alone and feel unsafe. Keeping contact details for your neighbours is important in the event of an emergency.
Clarkson concluded, “The men and women of the South African Police Services simply cannot be everywhere all the time. Neighbours that care about each other and become active participants in the safety of their suburb can make a massive difference.”
Details: www.adt.co.za
