New home for CPF Sector 4

Residents of the Sector 4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) can visit them at their new offices at the Anthos Centre every weekday.

John Boreham, CPF Sector 4 chairperson, explained that they moved to the Anthos Centre at 244 Voortrekker Road after the company’s whose office they were using, closed down.

The new office will be open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 15:30 and residents can find community member joining forms and patroller forms at the offices. Members of the sector can also pay their monthly and annual payments at the office. With the festive season going into full swing, John also shared some safety tips for not only his own sector but also the community at large to keep them safe.

“Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times as we are now fast approaching the festive season. The following safety-tips can be considered,” he said.

Fences or walls:
• A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
• The primary aim of the fence is to make access or intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
• Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows are recommended.

The following devices prevent easy access:
• Window bars
• Security doors
• Security gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthening of doors
• Peepholes in the doors
• Safety chains to doors
• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage

Alarm Systems
• An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
• In the rural environment a siren or alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch or panic button in the house, is recommended.
• A few switches or panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
• An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.

Examples of alarm systems:
• Mechanical and/ or electrical (purchased types)
• Improvised systems
• Threaded tins
• Threaded pieces of iron
• Gravel on window panes, pathways or around the home
• Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
• Biological Systems
• Dogs

Security Lights
• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
• The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
• Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

Safety Precautions
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family or neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc. that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.

Vary your daily routine
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
• Remain awake for a while.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work or a visit, e.g. your dogs do not come to the gate; do not enter your home.
• Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e.: bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Involve employees as they are part of the family or team.
• Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.

Take photographs of all employees
• It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep record copies of all your employees – Identity Documents (ID’s).
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.

Access and Key Control
• Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identifying the person, especially at night.

Implement proper key control measures
• Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate or door access can be gained.
• Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
• Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
• Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal.
• Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
• Change locks when keys are lost.
• Insert barring devices in door locks.
• Remove keys from doors when leaving.

Communication
• There should be two systems for alternative back up:
Telephone
Cellular phone
• Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
• Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.

Partner with the Police:
The general public is an important partner of the South African Police Service in strengthening the fight against crime. Police encourage all residents to partake in efforts within the community.
• Join the Community Police Forum (CPF)
• Join the South African Police Reservists
• Report any and all suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.

Please ensure that you have all emergency numbers saved or visible in the home and on your phone:
• Police Crime Stop: 08600 10111 (anonymous reporting)
• Police emergency: 10111 (or 112 free from cell phone)
• My SAPS Mobile App (download from Google Play store and/or Apple Store.)
• The iER app (download from Google Play store and/or Apple Store.)
• The Namola app (download from Google Play store and/or Apple Store.)

You can contact the Sector 4 CPF via email on cpfsector4krugersdorp@gmail.com.