Centurion braces for festive season crime spike
Centurion CPFs and local security companies have put plans in place to create a safe environment for all residents during the festive season.
With crimes increasing during the festive season, community safety has become a pressing concern for Centurion residents.
Local community policing forums (CPFs) are stepping up their efforts to ensure a secure environment for residents by implementing comprehensive plans to tackle the challenges that arise during this busy time of year.
Leading these efforts is the Laudium Community Policing Forum (LCPF), which has created a plan for crime prevention and quick response.
LCPF spokesperson Mohammed Noor emphasised their commitment to working alongside local law enforcement and private security companies to maintain safety.
He said a comprehensive plan has been crafted to address the challenges of the festive season, with a focus on crime-prevention and rapid response to any incident.
“Starting this week, LCPF members will be deployed in shifts to conduct regular visibility patrols throughout the community.”
Noor said this will ensure round-the-clock coverage to deter criminal activity and provide a sense of safety for residents.
“Visibility is a cornerstone of our safety strategy.”
With a strong presence in high-traffic areas and residential zones, LCPF members aim to reassure the public and discourage potential criminal activity.”
He said while LCPF is prepared to tackle the season’s demands, challenges such as power outages remain a concern and can compromise visibility and security systems.
“However, LCPF is coordinating closely with stakeholders to mitigate these risks and ensure effective operations.”
Image: Supplied
LCPF chairperson Shaheen Wahab said the community’s safety is their top priority.
“We encourage residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and support these efforts by staying informed and engaged,” he said.
“We would like to remind everyone to adopt safety measures, such as securing homes, avoiding displaying valuables, and being cautious while shopping or travelling.
Wierdabrug CPF sector 3 chairperson Hentie van Staden said there has been a notable increase in petty theft, break-ins, and the theft of solar panels and cables in the area.
“To combat these issues, we have increased our patrols during the festive season and will remain on 24-hour standby to assist with any incident,” van Staden said.
He also raised concerns about the rise in road accidents and fatalities during this time, urging motorists to avoid driving drunk.
He said motorists should consider using services like Uber, Bolt, or Wanatu, or call a friend or family member for assistance when under the influence of alcohol.
“We provide scene safety at accidents within our community, ensuring the area is secure for emergency medical personnel, police, fire department teams, and victims.”
He said the CPF teams may spend anywhere between 20 minutes to 8 hours on a scene, often in challenging weather conditions, depending on the severity of the matter.
In response to the demands of the festive period, the Wierdabrug CPF is launching a water project for 2024/2025, aimed at collecting bottled water for first responders and victims at accident scenes.
“Water plays a vital role in these situations and provides not only hydration but also comfort during stressful moments,” van Staden added.
Daniël van Rooyen, chairperson of the Wierdabrug Sector 1 CPF, said they were committed to ensuring the safety of their community, particularly during the festive season.
“However, we cannot achieve this goal without the active participation of every community member.”
“To bolster personal safety, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, and implement basic security measures such as installing alarm systems, adequate lighting, and maintaining well-kept gardens.”
He added that residents should remain vigilant about the rising incidents of motorcycle theft, dog poisoning, trespassing, armed robberies, and the potential impact of vagrancy and loitering.
Van Rooyen said the CPF will maintain regular patrols in the area.
“It is essential to have emergency contact numbers readily available, build strong relationships with neighbours, and establish neighbourhood watch groups to share information and respond to potential threats.”
“We strongly discourage taking matters into your own hands,” he said.
He added that residents should instead rely on the authorities to handle criminal activities in a lawful and effective manner.
Lyttelton Sector 2 CPF chairperson Merle Van Staden said there has been an increase in motor vehicle theft in the area.
She said the CPF is collaborating closely with police to enhance visibility patrols to combat this trend.
JP Le Roux, spokesperson for Monitor Net Security, also highlighted similar issues, saying there has also been an increase in street robberies and house break-ins.
“Monitor Net has been actively working with other security companies and law enforcement to boost visibility in identified hotspots.”
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