The Brackendowns CPF is calling on residents and business owners to attend its upcoming all-sectors community crime meeting and play a more active role in addressing crime in the area.

The meeting will take place on April 29 at 18:30 at the Brackenpark Community Hall in Albertsdal, bringing together the community and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The CPF says community engagement remains critical in strengthening crime prevention efforts and improving communication between residents and law enforcement structures.

While digital platforms such as neighbourhood WhatsApp groups are often used to report and discuss incidents, the CPF is calling on residents to also make use of formal community meetings where structured engagement and decision-making take place.

According to the forum, these meetings provide an opportunity for residents to raise concerns directly, share information with security stakeholders and contribute to practical safety strategies.

With attendance declining, the CPF is now asking residents to reflect on what they want from these engagements and how they can be improved.

Among the questions being posed are:

• What would you like to learn from CPF meetings?
• What crime issues matter most in your area?
• What would make these meetings more valuable or worth your time?
• How can the CPF better engage with the community?

The forum believes that stronger attendance and participation will lead to better coordination between stakeholders, improved communication, and more effective responses to crime challenges in the community.

Residents and business owners are urged to attend and make their voices heard, with the CPF emphasising that community involvement remains a key part of building safer neighbourhoods.
For more information, contact Kim Rousseau at 073 908 5230.