The Willowbrook, Ruimsig, Amorosa and Poortview Residents Association (WRAP RA), along with Absolut Security and Toolbox Empowerment Hub, launched the Community Foot Patrol initiative on August 18.

The initiative wants to put an end to various issues that are plaguing the area, like crime in open spaces (velds), while uplifting people in need.

Alongside patrols, teams will assist with clean-up efforts to keep the neighbourhoods safe and tidy. This, according to the founders of the initiative, will benefit the community by removing criminal tools and maintaining a visible patrol presence that deters crime and creates safer public spaces. And will also ensure cleanliness by clearing litter and abandoned items, restoring the environment and making the areas more welcoming and safe.

The Toolbox Hub is a community upliftment project run by The Bethany House Trust in Krugersdorp that uplifts and empowers the poor in areas of hopelessness throughout the West Rand. Its focus is on job creation and skills development.

The hub operates in five sectors: Security, building, agriculture and environment, arts, and the food industry. They are hands-on in community clean-ups around the area.

“By involving shelter residents who are overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, the patrols provide a positive purpose, outdoor activity, and a chance to give back to the community. At the same time, they help remove items linked to crime and improve safety for all residents,” said Dean Alberts of Absolut Security.

The patrollers walk in groups during patrols to ensure their safety, and armed response officers from Absolut support them. Before going out, the patrollers also receive practical safety tips and basic security training, and they communicate with the control room regularly to ensure a rapid response is available when needed.

The patrol routes and areas which need priority patrolling will be determined using crime trends, information from residents, and high-risk areas such as greenbelts, open fields, and hotspots identified by the community and security officers.

“The goal is to focus on areas most vulnerable to criminal activities while ensuring visibility across different neighbourhoods,” added Dean.

Residents who would like to get involved or support the initiative are encouraged to reach out to the WRAP RA via email, info@wrapra.co.za or by calling Andrew Holdsworth on 060 845 2291.

The team also encourages residents to join community feedback groups to highlight hotspots and concerns and to support and encourage the patrollers, helping create a sense of pride and ownership in the community.