During November and December 2017, the area experienced a big increase in house robberies and other crimes. As a result of this, concerned residents met in mid-December and set up the street patrol initiative. People volunteered to patrol the area at all times of the day and night, watching and listening for anything unusual. Young and old came out, patrolling in cars, scooters on foot and even on skateboards!
Any suspicious behaviour / vehicles etc. were logged on a local database. Many of us were shocked to see what was going on right outside our gates, from drug dealing to vandalism to robberies. We engaged with Randburg Police Station and passed on the intelligence we had gathered. Because of this, a number of criminals have been targeted by the police and arrests have been made.
In 2018 we have set out to formalise the group and become a recognised Neighbourhood Watch. Captain Hein Van Heerden from Randburg Police station and the Department of Community Safety have given training sessions and all members of the initiative have had their fingerprints taken to see if any have criminal records which could be at odds with what we are trying to achieve. Individuals that have signed up with the Neighbourhood Watch have also all signed an oath and a code of conduct with the Department of Community Safety.
The role of Neighbourhood watch is to be extra pairs of ears and eyes within the suburb. We are not there to respond to house alarms going off or to apprehend anyone.
The yellow KRA stickers now appearing on the residents’ vehicles is an initiative of the Neighbourhood Watch as it helps to identify vehicles that should be within the suburb. We have also now secured some Neighbourhood Watch signs to stick to the sides of our vehicles when out on patrol, so you will know that the vehicle driving slowly with people taking a keen interest in what is going on, are there to help you.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact Simon Beevers on 072 209 4734, Nkuli Shoba on 082 835 5173 or email nhw@kenbrink.co.za