Crime in the suburb of Kelvin is down but one of the major crime trends that currently plagues the suburb is still residential burglaries.
This according to Luewellyn Pillay, chairperson of the Kelvin Residents Association, who said although residential burglaries are still an issue, there has been a massive drop in the past year, which he feels is due to several initiatives.
“The Sandton Community Policing Forum, through the Sandton Guardians, set up active networks with law enforcement agencies and security companies to act as a force multiplier within the suburb.”
Pillay said the Guardians are involved in first-response, patrolling, first aid, fire marshalling, by-law enforcement and assisting law enforcement and security companies.
The Sandton Guardians is the Sandton CPF’s community patroller programme.
Residents of Kelvin have been encouraged to play an active role in their own household safety by subscribing to an armed response company and by joining the community Telegram Messenger security group. “The group currently has over 600 members, and in this way, the entire suburb is on the lookout and networked,” said Pillay.
“For instance, if a resident feels they are being followed home, they are encouraged to send a message to the security group and a welcoming party is arranged.”
He spoke about other proactive measures taken by the association to deter criminal behaviour. “This includes the use of surveillance technology, working with the council to enforce by-laws, cleaning up vacant properties, flagging abandoned properties and highlighting properties to council where shack farming is happening.”
Illegal traders, illegal dumping, illegal connections, illegal signage and other transgressions are continuously flagged by residents and policed through the Guardians’ structures.
Pillay mentioned a recent success was a drug bust as a result of tip-offs from the community. “Community intelligence regarding criminal behaviour has been gathered through youth and other structures and passed onto relevant authorities.”
Another success was when Duma Tactical spotted suspects with palisade fencing in Buccleuch. “The suspects were detained by ZSS Security, Duma Tactical, Ukuthemba and the Sandton Guardians until we ascertained between the suburbs that the fencing had come from an Eskom site,” ended Pillay.
[f] Do you think an active community curbs crime in the suburbs? Share your views on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook pageRelated links:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/183361/gaurdians-protect-sandton/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/194235/sandton-guardians-serve-eyes-ears-community/
