Keeping an eye on Newcastle

Do not be alarmed if you feel someone is watching you.

It might not be Big Brother or the CIA, but rather local residents who have stepped forward to make community neighbourhood watch initiatives a reality.

Introducing, Dave Poole and Mark Jacobs.

Mr Jacobs is already a popular face in crime fighting circles, having suppressed the dodgy elements in Paradise through the establishment of a 24-hour patrol and a base for his guarding company, Two Eagles Security.

The success of this watch has inspired others to try the same.

Mr Poole might not have experience in neighbourhood watches, yet he shares a wealth of knowledge in the fields of policing and the military.

Thus, he approached Mr Jacobs to see how to get a Pioneer Park watch off the ground.

“I wake up early so I am always looking out. There is a big need in Pioneer Park because there are a lot of people walking around at night.”

Prior to a meeting with Mr Jacobs last week, Mr Poole was a sole man launching searches into dangerous and overgrown areas for potential criminals, and chasing down suspects after crimes were committed.

Coupled with his Newcastle Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page, he was a lone beacon.

However, Mr Poole quickly realised the logistics and costs of running a watch programme were no good unless the community itself became involved.

“We want to call a meeting for the public with the Ward Councillor. This will gauge the response to the idea,” Mr Jacobs explained.

Mr Poole added his intention was not to run down the SAPS, who he has a good relationship with, but rather to assist in an overall endeavour to prevent crime around Newcastle.

He hoped setting up a watch in Pioneer Park could mean more for Newcastle.

“We want to set the groundwork before spreading outwards into other suburbs.”

Since announcing his intentions, Mr Poole has been offered a vehicle for patrol use.

On the topic of the watch framework, Mr Jacobs’ explained his system was based on asking a nominal fee from residents, in order to cover fuel expenses and other costs to keep the 24-hour watch and its Paradise base operating at maximum efficiency.

For Pioneer Park, the same base will be further utilised.

“Some people will want to know there the money goes, so as always residents are welcome to peruse the books and see for themselves.”

Both men agree the watch initiative will be bolstered by continued support from the community, as the goal was to acquire the right tools for the job while ensuring the

neighbourhood watch was sustainable.

Among areas the Pioneer Park watch hopes to establish in the meantime, are:

· Targeting of day-time break-ins and crime;

· Breeding understanding of the area of operations;

· Liaison with the Community Policing Forum, SAPS and other first responders; and

· Understanding ‘African signs’ (signals criminals use to indicate which houses were good targets for crime, ie. a crushed can).

To stay in the loop with the Pioneer Park watch, follow Newcastle Neighbourhood Watch on Facebook, call Mr Jacobs on 071 412 1116 or Mr Poole on 072 896 4224.

Dates for the proposed meeting will be confirmed in coming weeks.