Darrenwood residents suddenly experienced an increase in crime ranging from attempted house break-ins, petty theft and armed robberies. The residents, some of whom have lived in the area for about 30 years, decided to come together in order to find a solution. One of the the residents, *Lydia Smith said she found that talking to neighbours and creating awareness in the community is the most efficient tool to fight crime. Following the communication between residents, they decided to create a WhatsApp group. “The objective was to improve communication between residents and act as an announcement platform for suspicious activities in the area,” explained Smith. Through regular resident collaboration, there was mutual agreement for an immediate change in the neighbourhood in the form of visible crime prevention.
On 19 May, the first guard hut was erected in Cheyne Road with a 24-hour guard on duty conducting foot patrols to monitor activities on the road. According to Smith, all guards have a communication system to log and record suspicious activities which is linked to an armed response control room, armed response patrolling vehicles, the Cresta Darrenwood Residents Association (CDRA), as well as the Linden Police Station.
Smith added that the objectives of the initiative is for residents to agree on a security protocol which can be implemented in emergencies. Another action to be implemented is a sticker system for residents and regular visitors to help the guard and security company quickly identify regular or suspicious vehicles.
“This initiative is part of a greater drive within the Darrenwood suburb to proactively manage security. This has been the first stage in a long-term strategy to implement access control in the neighbourhood. Based on the success of the proactive approach of the residents in Cheyne Road, other residents in the area are joining in the initiative to drive out crime to ensure a safer neighbourhood,” concluded Smith.
Anyone interested in finding out more about this initiative or joining the local residents in fighting crime, can email CDRAsafety@gmail.com.
*Pseudonym
Related articles:
WhatsApp a powerful tool for reporting crime
