No one cares about your security and safety as much as you do.
With this in mind, the Sandton Guardians Patroller Programme was established to support police, security companies and the Sandton Community Policing Forum and to be the eyes and ears of the Sandton community. The programme was launched recently in Kelvin and Buccleuch and is looking for managers to roll it out in Sector 1, 2 and 3.
Sandton Guardians, which falls under the umbrella of the forum, functions not as a form of vigilantism, but rather a way of mobilising community members to patrol their own suburbs and report crimes to various authorities.
When suspicious activity is identified, patrollers notify security companies, police and other law enforcement agencies via Whatsapp to bring about resolution.
Precinct manager for Sandton Guardians, Greg Sochen said, “The programme is about taking ownership of our own security because no one will protect your neighbourhood like you will. People complain about slow response times but no one is prepared to put themselves out there to remedy the situation. This programme helps alleviate pressure from police.”
Sandton Guardians Sector 4 manager, Luewellyn Pillay said, “We are trying to get people out from behind their high walls and running and walking in their suburbs.”
They are looking for willing volunteers from all over Sandton to offer their services to patrol their suburbs. Volunteers are required to be physically fit, over 21, have their own car and driving license and no criminal record.
Volunteers will be given basic training on what to do in various situations before they begin patrols.
Pillay said, “We want to make South Africa safer street by street. To do so, I propose twinning neighbouring communities such as Alexandra for a mutually beneficial partnership in the fight against crime.”
All the materials for the programme have been funded by community members, but interested parties are encouraged to assist in sponsoring much-needed equipment for the patrollers.
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The programme is sanctioned by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety but is yet to receive equipment from them. Some of the items needed include reflective vests, extendable batons, torches, bulletproof vests, barrier tape and first aid kits.
Details: If you are able to assist in any way, email Greg at gregsochen@gmail.com
What more can be done to protect the Sandton Community? Tell us on the Sandton Facebook page.
