Westonaria Police conducted a crime-awareness campaign with the aim to help curb stock theft which is rife in the small rural area of Kocksrus near Vleikop in Westonaria.
According Sergeant Audrey Sefara, spokesperson of the Westonaria Police, last week’s campaign saw police joining hands with Community Policing Forum patrollers (CPF), and the Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) members interacting with the community and farmers on how they could improve their security to ward off thieves.
The community was encouraged to form structures and come up with communications systems to reach other each other easily and effectively as the area is remote and is known to have poor cell phone reception,” Sergeant Sefara said, adding that stock owners were advised to brand their livestock, especially goats and sheep that are being targeted in the area.
She said due to its lack of recreational facilities, others crimes such as gender-based violence and human trafficking are rife; and alcohol and substance abuse are destroying lives in the area.
“The members also donated clothes to the needy around the area and at Venterspost Clinic, and about 54 pamphlets were issued with safety tips on stock theft and all telephone numbers including the number for the Stock Theft unit,” Sergeant Sefara said.
