Aiming at equipping residents with practical safety knowledge, and promoting stronger community/police partnerships, the Fairland Community Policing Forum (CPF), together with the Fairland SAPS and local security companies, held a community crime awareness campaign on September 27 at El Corro Shopping Centre.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts by the CPF to address growing safety concerns in the suburb, with a particular focus on fraud prevention – a crime that has increasingly targeted elderly residents in recent months.

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The initiative also provided information on substance abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), and general crime prevention. Community members were encouraged to speak directly with SAPS, CPF representatives, and private security companies about their concerns and safety challenges.

“The campaign is about empowering our residents,” said Riaaz Peerbhaai, CPF patrol captain and public relations officer. “We want to make sure people know how to protect themselves, how to spot potential scams, and most importantly, how to report suspicious activities before they become crimes.”

While attendance at the event was lower than expected, CPF members and partners made the most of the opportunity by engaging with shoppers at the busy centre. Information pamphlets were distributed, and informal discussions were held to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in safety initiatives.

Peerbhaai noted that the turnout did not dampen the CPF’s commitment. “Even if we reach a handful of people, that’s a handful of households that are now better informed. Next time, we’ll work even harder to bring more residents on board.”

Among the concerns raised by residents during the event was the rise in house robberies and burglaries across the precinct, as well as the visible increase in homelessness, which many linked to unemployment and a lack of adequate shelters in the area.

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CPF patrol programme

A key focus of the day was the CPF patrollers programme, a vital initiative run in partnership with SAPS. Patrollers act as the eyes and ears of the police – observing, reporting, and assisting in efforts to deter criminal activity.

Peerbhaai described the patrollers as a critical part of the safety network. “They multiply SAPS’s reach, strengthen the bond between the police and the community, and help create the kind of neighbourhood we all want to live in.”

The CPF also highlighted its Victim Support Unit, which provides counselling and emotional assistance to victims of crime, including survivors of GBV and domestic violence.

In conclusion, the CPF renewed its call to action, urging residents to take an active role in keeping Fairland safe. “Being part of the patrollers programme isn’t just about stopping crime; it’s about standing together, looking out for one another, and making a real difference in our community.”

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