The Brooklyn Community Policing Forum (CPF) is encouraging residents to take a proactive approach to safety by adopting practical measures to reduce their risk of crime.
According to Louis Erasmus, chairperson of Brooklyn CPF Sector 2, crime is driven by a range of factors, including economic hardship, unemployment and what he describes as a growing culture of lawlessness in some parts of the country.
“Criminals are often opportunistic and target areas where they perceive the risk of being caught to be low,” said Erasmus.
He believes one of the biggest mistakes residents make is becoming distracted and unaware of their surroundings.
According to Erasmus, people are often focused on their mobile phones instead of paying attention to what is happening around them.
“Whether walking, sitting in a vehicle, waiting at a traffic light or visiting a shopping centre, a lack of situational awareness can make a person an attractive target for criminals,” he explained.
Erasmus said residents should recognise that their personal safety starts with their own actions and preparedness.
He recommended homeowners create multiple layers of security rather than relying on a single barrier.
“Bedrooms can be secured with burglar bars and security gates so that even if criminals breach the outer perimeter, they face additional barriers before reaching family members. This may provide valuable time to call for assistance,” he said.
Erasmus also encouraged residents to keep emergency contact numbers for private security companies, SAPS, medical services and trusted neighbours readily available.
Beyond individual precautions, he emphasised the importance of community involvement.
He pointed to growing co-operation between communities, private security companies, volunteer safety organisations and law enforcement agencies as one of the most encouraging developments in Pretoria east.
“The community acts as the eyes and ears, private security is often the first responder, and SAPS performs the investigative and law-enforcement functions. Where these stakeholders work together and communicate effectively, significant successes have been achieved,” he said.
Erasmus believes the continued expansion of these partnerships offers one of the best opportunities to improve safety across local communities.
He added that environmental factors also play a significant role in crime prevention.
According to Erasmus, well-lit streets, maintained properties and clean public spaces help improve visibility and make it more difficult for criminals to operate unnoticed.
“Unfortunately, the high number of non-functioning streetlights in parts of Tshwane contributes to criminal opportunities,” he noted.
He added that trimmed vegetation, proper access control measures and well-maintained properties can further reduce opportunities for criminal activity.
When arriving at or leaving home, Erasmus urged residents to remain vigilant and trust their instincts.
“If something appears suspicious, take action. Rather drive away and contact a security company, return to a safe location or ask for assistance than place yourself at risk,” he said.
He also advised residents to avoid distractions when arriving home and to have gates and access controls ready before stopping their vehicles.
Erasmus said crime prevention is most effective when residents combine personal vigilance with active community participation.
“Situational awareness remains one of the most effective crime-prevention tools available to residents,” he said.
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