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Akasia CPF to ramp up crime prevention this year

The CPF’s crime prevention strategy is focused on three primary areas: more police visibility, enhancing community involvement, and using technology to monitor crime patterns and prevent incidents before they escalate.

As Akasia faces increasing crime, the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening safety and reducing criminal activity in the area throughout this year.

The CPF’s commitment to deterring crime has become more urgent as incidents of burglaries, drug-related crimes and petty theft have risen over the past year.

The forum has been working with law enforcement, local government and the community to create a safer environment for residents.

The CPF’s 2025 crime prevention strategy is focused on three primary areas: increasing police visibility, enhancing community involvement, and utilising technology to monitor crime patterns and prevent incidents before they escalate.

One of the most important moves the CPF is making is ensuring a greater police presence in areas identified as crime hotspots.

According to CPF spokesperson Lerato Makwe, these areas have been mapped out based on recent crime data, and patrols will be concentrating on peak times.

“We’ve seen that a visible police presence deters criminal activity, and our goal is to make sure that we have enough patrols at key times when incidents are more likely to occur,” said Makwe.

The CPF has also partnered with private security companies to increase patrols in areas not frequently covered by police.

This partnership is designed to bridge gaps in police coverage and ensure that crime is addressed comprehensively across the community.

Makwe said one of the most effective ways to reduce crime is community engagement.

“We plan to launch a series of awareness campaigns to encourage residents to take a more active role in their safety.

“These campaigns will include educating residents on neighbourhood watch programmes, reporting suspicious activity and implementing safety measures in their homes.”

She said they have been working closely with local schools, businesses and neighbourhood associations to foster a culture of vigilance.

“We also plan to expand our youth outreach programmes, as there has been an increasing concern about the involvement of young people in crime.

“We want to divert teenagers from criminal activity by providing education, mentorship, and recreational programmes that help them develop skills and stay engaged in positive activities.”

Makwe mentioned that the whole community must be involved in fighting crime.

“It’s not just about the police or the CPF, residents play a critical role in keeping their neighbourhoods safe.

Investing in more advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and licence plate recognition technology, to monitor high-crime areas.

“Mabopane highway, Hilton Street and Boundary Street will be prioritised with enhanced patrols, environmental clean-up and surveillance measures.”

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