Heroes helping to keep you safe
Do you know who helps fight crime in your community?
THE Herald will be publishing a three part series to introduce you to these brave men and women. Let’s stand together to make our neighbourhoods safer zones. If you still don’t think you could be a victim, CLICK HERE to view a frightening video of an attempted home invasion by six men in Bazley recently. It might change your mind.
* Eugene Halliday and Tanya Pelser – of Azasos Urban Protection Community Programme.
Area: Hibberdene to Southport. Crime is currently under control since the AZASOS initiative makes it incredibly difficult for criminals to be active. AZASOS incorporates its security company with the community programme and, besides normal security measures, AZASOS does foot patrols and initiated the most successful WhatsApp strategy in SA with over 1 000 members. It works hand in hand with SAPS. Safety tips: Lock your bedroom door when sleeping; lock every vacant room in your house at night and have your security company’s number and SAPS on speed dial. Contact: azasosprot@hibberdene.co.za or 039 6991051, 0714020765 or 0846991473.
* Grant Wood – security initiative co-ordinator of Umzumbe Beach Ratepayers Association.
Area: The Umzumbe Village. Crime is currently minimal to zero. Saftey tips: Report suspicious behaviour; make a mental note of what people are wearing; get local input from employees in your area. Only residents who are members of UBRA can join.
* John Irven – head of Community Safety Organisation (CSO).
Area: Sea Park to Umzumbe, Bomela and Munster. At the moment house breakings are their primary concern. Their recent initiatives entail civilian patrols, being more allied with the police and security service providers. Motorcycle patrols with motor bike loaned by Lazer 911. CCTV being installed. Safety tips: Install an alarm system and arm it. Never go outside at night to investigate a noise. Close and secure windows, doors and security gates. Ensure that you have a clearly placed, reflective house number. Contact John Irven at 078 754 6828.
* Tessa Ribeiro – initiator of the Sunwich Port Crime Stop Whatsapp group and Sunwich Port Village Community Forum’s Facebook page.
Area: Sunwich Port and part of Mellville/Banana Beach. Crime currently is on the increase. House robberies are becoming an everyday thing if not in our area, then in surrounding areas. These criminals are becoming more and more brazen and will do just about anything to get what they want of yours. We have lots of elderly people who are vulnerable to crime. We have to stick together to fight it.
Recent initiatives to combat crime: All the crime stop groups from Hibberdene to Tweni have ‘joined hands’ and have created another group that links us all, whereby we are not only able to track crime from area to area, but to help each other out, share experiences and information. We recently had a meeting with police and other crime fighting organisations to discuss a way forward with fighting crime. We are currently rallying village members in Sunwich Port to join in patrols at night.
Safety tips: Never get complacent. Follow your security protocols with absolute regimental routine. Be aware, not only in and around your home and business, but your community as well. Contact: Send your full name and address to 076 3521150 and join their facebook page.
* Pete Theunissen – gatekeeper (admin) of Sea Park and South Port crime watch Whatapp groups.
Area: Sea Park and Southport. The current crime situation includes many house breakings and mostly opportunistic crime due to negligent behaviour: Holidaymakers leaving doors open and not arming alarms.
The recent initiative taken to combat crime has been setting up Whatsapp groups as a means of communication and early warning to residents. Formed close relations with other groups and attended security meetings with South Coast gatekeepers, police and security companies. Regular communication on security advice and tips. Making people aware of the crime in our area, which makes them more vigilant.
Safety tips: Not every person walking in your road is a suspect but don’t just approach anyone. Observe and report to the group or call your security company. Never go outside at night to investigate something you have seen.
Contact: SMS your full name and street address to 083 2871282. For day-to-day housekeeping (electricity, water, lost dogs etc) join the chat group by sending your number to Juanita at 073 2561334 or Juan at 083 5642482.
* Kerry Massey – spearheads Pumula Community Watch with her committed team.
Area: Pumula. Every resident is encouraged to join their Whatsapp Crime Watch group and can do so by contacting Mrs Massey at 083 9467042 or email: southportgarden@hotmail.com.
