Go MAD about crime

Salt Rock Neighbourhood Watch (SRNW) has launched a crime-combating initiative called Make A Difference (MAD).

The MAD initiative, already well known in Gauteng, was introduced last week to more than 30 domestic workers and gardeners gathered at the Salt Rock Country Club for the first in 36 crime-lessons, by renowned activist Penny Steyn.

Steyn started the MAD Domestic Watch campaign in Jo’burg in 2001, after her home was burgled and her best friend was burnt to death by robbers.

Through her endless frustrations in dealing with Gauteng police, she met a kind police officer who showed her the difficulties officers face.

She volunteered answering telephones at a local police station and, since then, has developed and trained thousands of police officers in Parkview, Linden, Sandton, Rosebank and Midrand, to name a few.

Her campaign has gained attention in national print and broadcast media, which is how SRNW member Nathalie Struwe found her.

“There was a time when I was normal, but then I got fed up with the crime in this country. And I also saw how hard the police are working to look after everyone. Then, I decided to go MAD!”

Steyn has a unique training style, which involves a string of jokes and quite a few Zulu songs. She thanked domestic workers and gardeners for the hard work they do in looking after local properties.

“You make South Africa what it is today. It is sad that sometimes you are accused of crime when you had nothing to do with it. You must look after yourself, because the tsotis do not care about you,” she said.

Steyn also shared thought-provoking statistics from the Umhlali SAPS.

“There are 13 suburbs in their jurisdiction, which means roughly 8 000 people are relying on about 40 men, with only two cars on patrol in Salt Rock. It is hard work! Stop blaming police for every single bit of crime and work with them.”

Steyn’s first training session for the area’s domestic workers and gardeners dealt with the importance of neighbourly relationships for combating crime.

Each attendee was given a form to fill out emergency contact details, which Steyn said should be kept near the landline of every house.

“Everyone must have the number ‘112’ saved in their phones. From this number, you can call the police, fire services or ambulance for free, even without a sim card.”

Chatting to the Courier, Steyn said more people need to get out and go MAD.

“Sitting and complaining about how bad crime is, helps nothing and nobody. There are things we can all do! I am excited to start work in Salt Rock and hope I can extend to other areas in the province.”

SRNW chairman Martin Parry thanked Steyn for the first training session and encouraged more to attend the rest. Sessions will be held at the Salt Rock Country Club on the first Wednesday of every month, at 10am. If you would like to register your domestic worker or gardener for the course, contact Parry on martineparry@iib.ws or 082 5542 269.

Knowing your neighbour – Tips from Penny Steyn:

• Introduce yourself to everyone who lives in your street and share information with them. Your neighbour can save your life and you can save theirs.

• If you are attacked while at home, do not argue with your attacker. Do as you are told.

• Keep a whistle with you. It is a quick, cheap and definitive way of alerting the public that you are in trouble.

• Ensure you are able to give directions to your property. Check out landmarks that could help guide emergency services and police to your house.

• Every domestic worker should have a mobile panic button. An idea is to hide it on an elastic band, behind your back, or under a doek. If you are told to put your hands behind your back or on your head, you can press it.

• Save an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number in your phone, so medics know who to call if you are in trouble.

• If you are aware of crime in progress, run away from it, not toward it. Get help.

• Listen to your dogs, if you have any. They are intelligent enough to warn you of impending danger.

• Do not advertise yourself or your property. Close your gates and garage doors. Do not walk around with your phone in your hand.

• Always move quickly in and out of your property. Criminals watch your body language.

• Never tell anyone you are/ will be alone on a property.

•  If you dislike someone or have had an argument be careful who you tell. The information could lead to trouble in the wrong hands.