A recent event in KwaZulu-Natal showed how teamwork between local police and neighbourhood watch groups could make a big difference. Their cooperation led to the arrest of a suspect in a home robbery, highlighting the importance of communities being on the lookout and working together.
What was the problem?
House thefts are a big worry in many parts of South Africa, making people feel unsafe. In a recent case, a suspect was spotted by a sharp-eyed member of a local neighbourhood watch group. It was also suspected that he was involved in a house robbery the week before, stealing valuables and cash. The alert was sent through a WhatsApp Crime Alert Group, leading to quick action.
How did they solve it?
After the house theft, local police teamed up with neighbourhood watch groups to find the suspect. This teamwork worked well because their shared resources and information led to a quick arrest. The neighbourhood watch groups were important because they gave timely information and support to the police.
So how did they do it?
- Neighbourhood watch groups stayed in constant contact with the police, sharing any suspicious activities or leads.
- Regular patrols and being more watchful in the area helped stop more crimes.
- The police and neighbourhood watch groups worked together, making sure information and resources flowed smoothly.
- CCTV camera footage helped identify the suspect.
- By working together, the police and the community quickly caught the suspect.
Acknowledgements:
Original article written by: Karen Singh
Photograph supplied by: Marshall Security
Get your community involved
Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.
Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.
How to set up a community group
How to start a residents' association
How to set up a community policing forum
How to set up a neighbourhood watch
How to organise community action
How to use media to create pressure for change
Know your rights – how local government works
It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.
Johannesburg
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