Neighbourhood watch revival aims to restore community spirit
Glen Park Neighbourhood Watch has a new executive committee and aims to boost community spirit and safety in the area. They are planning "no cook" events to get residents together and introducing Community in Blue patrollers to support SAPS.
THE revival of the Glen Park Neighbourhood Watch (GPNHW) aims to restore community spirit after a period of reduced activity over the past few years.
This renewed effort has been made possible through the election of a rejuvenated executive committee, which includes new and former members.
The Glenpark Neighbourhood Watch falls under the Pinetown Community Policing Forum (CPF) and is Sector 3, the Southern umbrella. On Saturday, the Pinetown CPF chairperson, members of the Pinetown SAPS, executive members, and a few residents gathered to mark this important step forward.
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Neighbourhood Watch PRO, Peter Williams, said that whilst the watch had remained operational, it had lost strong community involvement.
“Our aim is to bring that back by hosting regular ‘no cook’ events while we get to know one another,” he said.
New chairperson, Marinus du Plessis, emphasised that the primary goal of any neighbourhood watch is to improve safety and security. He encouraged residents to support the initiative and attend community meetings.
“We will be introducing Community in Blue (CIB), a South African Police Service initiative that trains and vets community volunteers to serve as patrollers under Community Policing Forums,” added Du Plessis.
The CIB is the “Eyes and ears” of SAPS visible policing.
Pinetown SAPS Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Siboniso Shezi, explained that the CPFs form part of SAPS’s broader strategy to maintain a visible presence in communities.
He praised the patrollers, noting that they play a crucial role as a support structure by volunteering their time.
The Pinetown CPF chairperson, Justin Bosse, welcomed the revival, saying: “We are always pleased to see a policing forum reset in a positive way. We are glad it will return to its full potential, this means safer communities and less crime.”
Residents can make contact on the new emergency contact number 068 035 7629.
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