CRIMINALS are not welcome in Birchleigh, is the message of Birchwatch.
Residents of this suburb formed this neighbourhood watch three months ago with the aim to assist the police in combating crime.
Members of Birchwatch do regular patrols with their own unmarked vehicles and are connected with Norkem Park SAPS with their own cell phones and two donated hand radios. They also have contact with the residents of Birchleigh via several WhatsApp groups that give them information or call for help.
Jan Vermaak, chairman of Birchwatch, regards this neighbourhood watch as the “big brother” watching Birchleigh and at the same time act as the eyes and ears of the police. They work according to a standard procedure, as well as in co-operation with the police and security companies.
He said because people of all walks of life lived in Birchleigh, each one gave his talents and time to assist in Birchwatch.
A group patrols the streets at night in shifts. They report to Norkem Park SAPS when they go on shift. Pensioners do the patrols during the day when everyone is at work.
The patrollers are in contact with the WhatsApp groups who act on residents’ reports on suspicious activities or people in the area. This also acts as a place to render help in time of need.
Special patrols will be done at houses where people are on holiday if the groups know about it.
Vermaak said people on patrol would attend to all types of calls, except domestic violence.
Vermaak invited residents of Birchleigh to call 060-494-8938 or 073-478-4266 at any time of day to report something or if they need help.
Request him on 082-605-1311 to become part of a WhatsApp group.
