Linden Neighbourhood Watch organised a collaborative crime operation in Linden and Blairgowrie late in the evening on 18 September.
Linden Police, ADT, CSS Tactical and a few residents assisted in the 15-vehicle convoy, patrolling every street in the two suburbs to enhance visibility, and attending to crime hotspots and alarms.
No arrests were made, but vagrants were removed from substations they were sleeping in. “When everyone works together it lowers crime,” said the watch’s chairperson and operations manager Fareed Hoosen. “With so many cars and flashing lights it lets the criminals know we’re here.” He added that all the security groups share information during such operations, and build a “camaraderie” and “trust” among each other.
A watch volunteer, Justin Beachcroft-Shaw, said that it was good that residents joined in. “It is good for people to know ordinary people are vigilant and taking a stand,” he said. “It sends a message to criminals and inspires people to join.” Hoosen added that night operations in Linden Sector 2 will occur weekly until the end of January, and invited residents to attend.
Details: Linden Neighbourhood Watch linnwatch@yahoo.com, 076 413 7184.
