Our society is under siege and, at times, runs the very real risk of being engulfed in a sense of helplessness when it comes to crime. Is it due to poverty? Desperate foreigners? Actually it doesn’t matter – we need to face the fact that it’s we who own the problem. The issue facing us is the belief that we can do nothing, that crime is the government’s or the Police’s problem. In fact the very real danger facing all of us has much less the criminal at its heart than it does the lack of involvement – almost apathy - of the communities crime tears apart.
So what’s happening?
Reflect on the words of well-known and respected businessman Francois Marais:There are many challenges and two key points emerge:
“People tend not to think that their contribution will make a difference, but we've passed the point where we can hold government and the police accountable for crime. Unless communities pull together, there's little chance individual efforts against crime will succeed."
Let’s work with the Police
SAPS PARKVIEW is there to serve.
Did you know that Parkview Police Station precinct looks after over 196,000 people? That does not include the thousands and thousands who pass through its precinct every day. The Station comprises a force of about 120 staff and a limited number of patrol vans. As you can appreciate, it’s a tough task. Unless we are prepared to get involved and support them, the battle will not be won. That is our challenge.
Nevertheless, CRA residents are fortunate to be within the Parkview police precinct. While crime levels remain a cause for concern, Parkview police have adopted a 'zero tolerance' approach and this is having an effect. Station Commander Senior Superintendent Moodley confirms that in our neighbourhood, year-on-year reported Crime shows very little increase. Of course we stress reported because if a crime (of any nature) goes unreported it is lost to the statistics. No-one benefits. In fact we probably lose out because resource allocation and deployment depends very much on actual events being reported and investigated.
It’s therefore really important to report any and all criminal activity to SAPS Parkview on the numbers below.We have created our own on-line Craigpark Incident Advice form so that you make us aware of an event. By being made aware, we can focus resources more effectively. It is not intended to make public anyone’s unfortunate experience.
What CAN we do?
- We will not be able to address all the issues. Priorities will need to be set.
- We will need the full engagement of the CRA community if we have any hope of success.
The priorities *********************************
1. Working with SAPS Parkview
A positive working relationship with the team at SAPS Parkview is critical. To this end we meet regularly with the Station Commander and/or attend the monthly CSF (Community Security Forum) meetings to identify issues and opportunities for improvement.
One initiative is the joint Craigpark/SAPS Street Patrols. This initiative involves residents teaming up with the SAPS to conduct patrols of the neighbourhood. The SAPS provides two officers and the resident provides his vehicle with himself as driver. Together they rove the neighbourhood with the SAPS members conducting all policing activities. The resident plays no part, other than driving his vehicle. Radios are provided so that the team is in constant contact with SAPS Parkview. We are looking for residents to commit to two hours a month in support of this programme. If you are prepared to make this contribution to the community, please contact Chris Taylor to see when help is needed.
2. The interface with Security Companies (ADT/SAS/CSS Tactical/Chubb/other)
Most residents in our neighbourhood are contracted to one of the mainstream Armed Response companies. The CRA’s Security Working Group has identified the need for a close partnership with these service providers as a method of combating crime. The main service providers are invited to SAPS Parkview's Community Safety Forum on a monthly basis to review crime incidents in the area. We’ll provide residents with regular updates, as we get them.
3. The Craigpark Public Spaces Security (PSS) scheme
This scheme replaced the original Community Security Scheme introduced early in 2007. Its implementation was in response to a call by the community to do more to combat the high level of crime being experienced.
Since 1 October 2008, CSS Tactical has introduced three dedicated 24/7 patrol vehicles in the suburbs, each manned by two highly-trained personnel. We really hope that this time around, community support will allow us to roll out the full solution, including a further patrol vehicle and surveillance cameras at strategic intersections.
The main objective is that crime is prevented BEFORE it happens. For more details contact Tony Webb, Amy Allan or Richard King: otherwise go to the PSS page for information/subscribing to the PSS scheme. Contact Amy or Richard if you can assist us as a street rep to inform more residents about the benefits of the PSS scheme.
4. Communication with and from residents
“Your safety” meetings for residents; Regular updates in the CRA’s monthly Newsletter.
Domestic Watch
The Domestic Watch programme was relaunched at the beginning of 2008 and has been very well attended. Meetings are held on the last Friday of each month at the Wesleyan Church, cnr Norfolk & Beaufort Aves, CHP. The meetings are open to anyone who lives or works in our area and cover topics ranging from essential First Aid to how to report suspicious activity. Sue Harris is the CRA co-ordinator - contact her if you need more information.
Your safety
Parkview police telephone numbers
IN ALL CASES, phone 10111 in the first instance to report a crime or suspicious loiterers etc. Subscribers to the PSS scheme will be able to phone CSS Tactical at 0861 911 119.
Updated October 2009
Consult SECURITY TIPS for practical tips on just how you can make a difference to both your own and the community’s safety and security.
