Crime awareness campaign empowers residents
Safety Net, Westville SAPS and CPF hosts crime awareness campaign.
WESTVILLE Village Market hosted a crime awareness campaign that was organised by Safety Net in conjunction with Westville SAPS and Community Police Forum (CPF).
Safety Net includes a team of volunteers who have received training in care giving. Member of Safety Net, Ken Christie said their organisation has been in existence for 10 years but many people have no idea how they work. “We work very closely with the police and the CPF and we work 24 hours. There is always someone on duty if residents need our assistance.
“Police usually call us when someone has been a victim of crime. We offer them counselling, but when the victim has experienced great trauma we refer them to experienced and more professional counsellors.
“As Safety Net we feel that it is important for a person to deal with his/her trauma because they can end up doing bad things.
“It could affect the way they treat their family and have a negative impact in the workplace,” said Christie.
At the mall with the help of pupils from Westville Boys High School, they distributed pamphlets and gave people tips on how not to become a victim of crime. Christie said people can start their own Safety Net in their areas because currently they only operate in the Westville area.
Kevin Harvey, chairman of the Westville CPF urged people to work with the police and organisations that assist to fight crime so that they can decrease the crime rate.
“Anyone who wishes to offer their assistance or be part of our team is more than welcome,” he said.
Contact Safety Net on 076 381 3308 from 8am to 7pm or 073 888 9967after 7pm.
