More support needed for neighbourhood watches

Neighbourhood watches are an integral part of any community, serving as the eyes and ears of police, law enforcement and security companies.

Fidelity ADT communications manager Charnel Hattingh said these groups were made up of individuals who sacrificed their time by looking out for their fellow residents, despite often having limited resources at their disposal.

“Community security groups are an integral part of any security network. These individuals volunteer with the motivation to keep a handle on crime in their area.”

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Many of the volunteers still have their own day jobs, but then work patrol shifts after hours or over weekends.

“Neighbourhood watches play a significant role in crime prevention. Some charge minimum membership fees and others have to raise funds through community events.

“These fees and fundraisers help in resourcing the watch, but they always require more support to operate,” explained Hattingh.

According to Hattingh, many resources were required to run a successful neighbourhood watch operation.

“These resources help keep both the community and the patrollers safe, and include items such as reflective gear, two-way radios, flashlights, and CCTV cameras.”

Many private security companies are ready and willing to work with neighbourhood watch groups, an offer which Hattingh hopes more communities will make use of.

“The police simply cannot be everywhere, all the time. An active, well-resourced neighbourhood watch will always be of benefit to any area,” said Hattingh.

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She said involvement with local crime-awareness initiatives also helped residents to become better acquainted with each other.

“Getting to know your neighbour means we can also better look out for one another.

“We commend all neighbourhood watches and acknowledge the valuable contributions they make every day.”

She urged residents to make contact with their local watch and find out how they can assist, from volunteering for a patrol to supporting their fundraising drives so that they can buy the needed equipment.

“The work they do benefits you and your family,” said Hattingh.

Speaking on the importance of CPF and neighbourhood watches, MMC for community safety Karen Meyer said the national development plan envisaged communities where people felt safe and had no fear of crime, whether at home, school, work or in their communities.

“This can only be achieved by communities working with well-resourced and professional policing services through formal structures like the community policing forums.”

She said the CPF played an important role in informing the TMPD’s mandate and operations, but also in scrutinising the work of the TMPD to maximise the efficiency of the available resources.

“CPFs are a critical platform where community members, community business and non-profit organisations, businesses, faith-based organisations and other relevant government stakeholders meet with the SAPS and TMPD to discuss local crime prevention initiatives,” said Meyer

Meyer said the CPF was not a “nice to have”. It is a constitutional imperative that we cannot shy away from.

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