Brackenham residents mobilise to tackle crime

CONCERNED by an increase of burglaries in the suburb, Brackenham Community Crime Watch (BCCW) called an urgent meeting on Sunday afternoon to encourage residents to establish street neighbourhood watches to curb crime.

Residents were informed of recent crimes and the need to participate in community crime prevention programmes.

BCCW Chairperson Ray Govender said night patrols were receiving poor support from the community and the few committed members they do have cannot patrol the entire suburb.

‘We need residents of each street to form their own groups and be proactive and protect themselves.

‘Some business owners feel they do not have to join in the crime fight because of their status, but anyone can become the next victim.

‘The BCCW is not a vigilante group, but we have enforced strategies to deter and curb crime.

‘Residents of Cinnamon Crescent, Cibotium, Airfern Angle, Goldenfern and Lobotum have launched their own neighbourhood watches.

‘BCCW is conducting patrols at night, but robberies are also taking place during the day and we have appealed to police and local security companies to conduct daytime patrols.

‘Residents must be on high alert and have their gates and doors locked at all times as criminals are striking at anytime,’ he said.

Assaulted
The BCCW has been operational for six months with only about 20 dedicated volunteers assisting on night patrols.

They have had numerous successes with hijackers being apprehended, crimes being intercepted and card cloning fraudsters being arrested.

Pastor Ivan Naidoo commended the BCCW, who are acting as the eyes of the community, in addressing the crimes of personal and property thefts.

‘They are community watchers who connect to an organised group who then reconnect with a reaction group to address crime related concerns.

‘We want to promote ubuntu in our society and bring back the spirit of unity within our communities.

‘The community must come together, meet their neighbours and take an interest in the safety and protection of each other and their belongings.

‘Crime is keeping us self-centred and locked indoors, but we need to take back our streets, come out of our houses and unite with our neighbours to keep our community safe,’ said Naidoo.