‘Know your neighbour’ – Centurion CPF
“Your neighbour can also observe your property and keep an eye when you are on holiday.”
Community policing forums in Centurion believe the key to fighting crime in the area may lie in getting to know those around you.
The CPF in Lyttelton Sector 1 and Wierdabrug Sector 2 have encouraged their members recently to take part in the Know Your Neighbour initiative.
The initiative is aimed at getting members acquainted with those closest to them.
“In your time of need your neighbour can react the quickest by contacting the CPF or the police,” said Karen Botha of Lyttelton Sector 1 CPF.
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“Your neighbour can also observe your property and keep an eye when you are on holiday.”
“He or she can take your mail inside, switch the lights on at night, and can join you in taking your dustbin out. The list is endless.”
Botha said you can also encourage your neighbour to attend CPF meetings with you.
“If he or she knows about any crime trends communicated at a recent CPF meeting you couldn’t attend, he or she can share them with you.”
There has been an increase in break-ins and thefts in the Wierdabrug area, said Daryl Cummings of Wierdabrug Sector 2 CPF.
“Criminals are becoming more brazen, targeting houses while residents are at work,” said Cummings.
“From hijackings, house break-ins, remote jamming to electric gate motor theft, the police often have their hands full trying to follow up on all the incidents.”
“In the past, getting to know your neighbour had been very successful but some members of the community have moved in and out of the area.
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“The community becomes distant with each other again as some may be afraid of getting too “involved”.”
But getting involved has its upside.
Like when a recent crime was foiled because a neighbour noticed a strange vehicle parked in her neighbour’s yard.
“On closer inspection, she realised that this was potentially an attempt at theft and immediately contacted the CPF who responded with the local security companies,” said Cummings.
“By strengthening the relationship with your neighbours, they will easily be able to inform you or the police if they notice any suspicious activities at your home even in your absence.”
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