Melville’s security teams joined forces with police on October 20 to inspect crime hotspots, check vulnerable properties and address concerns about potential criminal activity in the suburb.
Danny Nunes of Melville Security Initiative (MSI) said joint operations allow private security to raise concerns encountered during daily operations, particularly those outside its legal authority. He stressed the importance of law enforcement working with the private sector, which has a better understanding of day-to-day activity in local areas.

The patrol route included dwellings on municipal land, private properties that had been overrun, and streets where crimes had recently been reported. Nunes said people committing crimes on foot may be operating close to where incidents occur.

Read more: Sophiatown police urge residents to join patrols and crime forums

He warned that abandoned and problem properties can be hijacked, occupied or used by criminal groups to hide stolen goods. A property in Melville had previously been linked to arrests and the recovery of stolen goods, making it one of the locations checked during the patrols.
No arrests were made and no suspected stolen goods were recovered during the latest operation. However, teams found that the chain securing the gate of a vacant property had been cut. The matter was reported to those responsible so they could secure the property before it was breached or occupied.

Nunes said joint patrols help security teams flag concerns to police and inspect locations they cannot enter without permission or the necessary authority. He stressed that teams ask occupants for permission before looking around informal dwellings or other properties.
Although no arrests or recoveries were made, Nunes said the patrols help monitor activity, identify concerns and build a clearer picture of who is moving through the area. He said such operations should be ongoing.

With the festive season approaching, Nunes said law enforcement and private security would increase their focus on crime prevention. MSI monitors crime statistics to direct additional patrols towards identified hotspots.

Nunes urged pedestrians to walk in groups where possible, use well-lit routes, stay aware of their surroundings and avoid displaying laptops and phones unnecessarily. He also advised limiting distractions such as earphones when walking in vulnerable areas.

Also read: Sophiatown SAPS flags Sector 4 properties over hijacking and crime concerns

Residents should report suspicious activity to SAPS and security companies and share relevant information through trusted community networks.

Nunes encouraged residents to support MSI and other community safety initiatives by raising concerns, participating in street and WhatsApp groups, and keeping informed about crime patterns and areas to avoid. He added that simple precautions, such as accompanying neighbours walking alone at night, can help improve safety.

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