Private security initiatives protect public areas

Residents of Pertervale and Paulshof are all too aware of the night-time dangers of Witkoppen Road – as are the hundreds of motorists who use the thoroughfare to commute to and from the Fourways area. The corner of Witkoppen and Cambridge roads is particularly infamous, having experienced a high rate of smash and grab incidents over the past several years.

Perpetrators reportedly emerge from cars on the nearby highway, and make their way on foot to the bridge where they hide until they see a likely target. After a successful theft, culprits are whisked away down the highway in their waiting getaway vehicles.

Now 7Arrows security, in communication with both Metro police and the Petervale West Residents’ Association, has launched a community security initiative to combat the scourge.

In several special operations, both undercover and as a visible presence at the risky intersection, 7Arrows guards have arrested a number of suspects and deterred many a would-be criminal. 7Arrows MD, Mike Sears, believes the initiative is having a noticeable positive impact, but those involved are seeking a more permanent solution, and are hoping to transform this dicey spot into a smash and grab-free zone.

Paulshof Residents’ Association Chairman, Shathi Govender, would also like to see the problem resolved in the long term. Govender has worked with police to increase the frequency of patrols in the area, but believes that a more sustainable solution could be the construction of a security fence to prevent hopeful criminals walking towards the bridge from the highway.

Meanwhile, until a permanent solution is found, 7Arrows continues to demonstrate its community investment by involving itself in the public domain – which is where most crime occurs, said Sears.

“We look at not only protecting residences, but also public areas, and providing proactive solutions for the community,” he concluded.