Danville driving crime away
Commitment from Danville patrollers inspire others to protect their own neighbourhood.
Danville residents are bent on driving criminals out of their area for keeps.
In February, residents of Danville Extension 5 joined hands to combat crime in the area, which had escalated since 2015.
About 20 residents decided to form a neighbourhood watch in an effort to curb crime after 10 house robberies in the same month.
Danville Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesperson Thesigan Pillay said this week the aim was a permanent solution to fight crime.
“We are glad the community has shown commitment and sacrifice to make sure everyone is protected,” he said.
“A more permanent solution is being discussed, and we hope the police would be sincere in combating crime and working closely with us.”
Pillay said other areas around Danville had imitated its crime fighting strategy.
“A lot of people have started neighbourhood watches thanks to us. We are always glad to engage with people about combating crime. It is not just Extension 5 but other areas in Danville and surrounding areas.”
Pillay said residents used to panic every time they heard about a housebreaking in the neighbourhood.
“Every two days we would hear of a break-in, a robbery or a burglary. So we took a brave decision to stop crime. It was heartwarming to see residents agreeing to take part – even those who had been victims of crime in the past,” said Pillay.
“Everything has changed. Criminals are aware of us, they now operate outside our area.”
Pillay said the objective was to keep the criminals out and protect the community, but this had come at a price.
“People are sacrificing their time to keep the community safe. It does affect us at times because we are up all night and we still have to get to work in the morning.”
Police provincial spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said he was unaware of the patrols in Danville but added people had every right to protect themselves.
“Police need to work together with the community. It is very important, especially in places where crime is a problem,” said Dlamini.
“It is not a problem for people to patrol. They have to lookout for their own safety but it is also the police’s job to make sure the residents are safe.”
Also read:
Danville robbery victims tell of their agony
Danville residents take it upon themselves
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