Silverton CPF calls for volunteers to strengthen crime prevention
As winter approaches, the CPF is ramping up patrols and expanding coverage. They also urge locals to join the fight against crime.
The Silverton Community Policing Forum (CPF) is expanding its crime prevention efforts ahead of the winter season, with plans to increase patrols and extend coverage across a broader area.
To ensure success, the CPF is calling on community members to volunteer and work alongside the CPF and local police in the fight against crime.
The CPF currently serves several key areas, including Weavind Park, Silverton, Val de Grace, Silverton Ext 1 and 5, Meyerspark, Murrayfield, La Montagne, Equestria, Nellmapius, and the industrial zones of Waltloo and Silvertondale.
“Community members or volunteers can assist with keeping an eye on crime in their area and sharing timely insights to the CPF or police,” said Tshwane Central sub-district oversight manager, Sidney Gordon.
Gordon was the former chairperson of the CPF but is now the oversight manager of seven police stations in Tshwane.
“It is very challenging to manage such a diverse area in one CPF. Most people are uninvolved in community matters, which makes crime fighting even more challenging.”
Gordon urged the community to be actively involved in CPF matters.
“The CPF and police alone cannot do it, we need the community to also assist with patrolling their areas and keeping an eye on crime and security matters in general,” he said.
“One of the main functions between the police and the community is the sharing of crime intelligence matters,” he added.
Gordon said the community should also build relations with the CPF, so that they can share tips and report suspicious activities which could lead to arrests.
“We assure residents that any shared information will be treated with confidentiality.”
Gordon said the CPF also aims to have one major operation at least once a month.
“We have previously done by-law operations with the TMPD, crime operations and school searches. We have a huge problem in Nellmapius schools, with drugs, dangerous weapons and bullying.”
He added that if the community could assist and parents were involved in monitoring their children, this would lead to a safer school environment.
Gordon explained that if the community works hand in glove with police, CPF and looks after their neighbours, crime will be less.
“If the community could unite, report any suspicious movements, and look after their neighbour’s house when they are away, arrests would be made and crime would be decreased.”
He expressed his gratitude to the police, TMPD and the community safety department for their continued support.
“We have co-ordinated operations with TMPD, police and the Department of Home Affairs to deal with community issues, such as informal trading, noise and traffic control, and some human settlement aspects.”
Gordon said the CPF is experiencing a major challenge currently of streetlights that are out of service, especially this winter, making crime prevention very hard.
“The absence of streetlights makes crime more conducive at night, which leads to house break-ins and cable theft. It is harder now as we are in winter, and it gets too dark, so criminals can operate undetected.”
Gordon said the municipality is urged to fix all streetlights for the sake of the safety of the Silverton residents as a matter of urgency.
He said limited police budgets and capacity necessitate that the communities rely heavily on private security companies.
“We urge residents to support the security companies that are active in their areas, they are excellent in serving the Silverton community and their dedication is highly appreciated.”
According to Gordon, the CPF is also running a security video camera project in one of the areas it serves.
“The cameras help to detect suspicious movements, or if someone leaves their gates open, the threat is easily addressed.”
He expressed his gratitude to the residents who have already participated in the CPF.
“However, we need more community members to be involved as volunteers to make Silverton and the surroundings safer and more enjoyable.”
To get involved, residents can contact the CPF’s Public Relations Officer, Petrus Britz, by email at pjbritz2012@gmail.com.
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