Douglasdale CPF get increased visibility from new car magnets
DOUGLASDALE – Security patrols for neighbourhood watches and members of the Douglasdale CPF will be made easier now that car magnets will easily identify patrollers in the area.
Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) received new car door magnets from a local business to increase security visibility, on September 29.
Bandit Signs collaborated with the CPF to create the magnets which display the forum’s logo for those who participate in the neighbourhood watch. Twenty sets of magnets were made – two would go on one car when patrols took place.
Deputy chairperson of the CPF, Reza Bardien, said the importance of the magnets was to build a relationship with the community and increase visibility in the area.
“What we’ve realised is the more visible we are, it builds the brand with residents. They know and feel that there are also other residents assisting as SAPS resources are stretched. If we’re able to identify or see something happening which we can escalate to the police, we’re taking those limited resources and we’re directing it to where it’s needed,” he said.
“[Bandit Signs] had made our ID cards as well. It’s easy to imagine if someone’s broken down on the side of the road, you don’t know if it’s friend or foe approaching you. The ability to have signage identifies us as people able to help.”
CPF chairperson Lizzy Mabena echoed Bardien’s statements and expressed deep gratitude to Bandit Signs for the selfless donation of the vehicle magnets.
“This necessary donation will help capacitate the CPF in the fight against crime. We will now be easily identified by community members when we are out doing route patrols and on scene,” Mabena concluded.
