COMMUNITIES that stand together and work with law enforcement and private security companies will be safer, and they will see success in the fight against crime, says a local security company.
Private security company, ADT Security, called on communities this week to become active participants in the safety of their suburbs.
“We work closely with several neighbourhood watches and community organisations across the country. When the public works hand-in-hand with their local security companies and the police, there is always a positive difference,” said Ivan Govender, district manager of ADT Security KwaZulu Natal.
He said the SAPS and private security companies simply were unable to be everywhere all the time, and required the assistance from community organisations and caring residents to help police and security companies deploy their limited resources in an efficient manner.
“Not everyone has the ability or the appetite to patrol their neighbourhoods at night. But you can already make a huge difference by merely being observant of your surroundings, and speaking up when you see something that is out of place,” he said.
Govender urged residents to take note of any potential safety issues and raise these with their neighbours.
“This includes everything from broken fences, to open gates, to valuable items left unattended. The same goes for children or vulnerable members of your community – by simply caring for their safety, you can already make a difference,” he said.
If there isn’t a community safety group active in your area, Govender suggests that one should be formed.
“For those looking to start a community security group, we encourage you to call on the private security industry to assist. They have first-hand knowledge of what works having assisted other groups in the past. An integrated approach is also always more successful so perhaps find out if other groups are active in neighbouring suburbs and what has worked for them,” he advised.
Govender said in communities lucky enough to have neighbourhood watches or similar organisations, it was important to support their activities and attend the meetings they arrange.
“By attending community meetings, reading emails and voting when called to do so, you can show support for those who have stepped up and are working towards a security solution for your suburb,” said Govender.
