“WE do not want vigilantes, we want community members to be the eyes and ears of the police.”

These were the words of the Westville Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Clinton Hill, following last Wednesday’s public meeting which he said was a resounding success.

“It went very well and had over 90 community members there. SAPS, Metro and Ward councillors were present, and the feedback I got after the meeting was positive,” said Hill.

At the meeting, he said the rife theft of copper stood out as one of the prevalent crimes plaguing the Westville area, including at Beverley Hills, Athol Heights and Grayleigh.

The market for the stolen copper – usually illegal scrap metal dealers – is what fuels this crime, pointed out Hill.

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Hill’s advice to homeowners who are at risk of being targeted by copper thieves is that they should replace this material with polyethylene.

He further advised Westville residents to be aware and alert at all times and to work collaboratively as a community and with law enforcement.

Hill said existing social media, including WhatsApp and emergency groups, were proving effective in alerting residents about untoward or suspicious occurrences, but urged that these should not be turned into platforms for socialising.

The CPF chairperson added that when members of these groups witness a crime, in addition to alerting the group, they should also call the SAPS emergency number 10111.

“To eradicate crime you need the community,” said Hill, who added that clear communication between all stakeholders is key, and increased law enforcement visibility is crucial.

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