Georginia Neighbourhood Watch (GNW) has stepped up its operations in the face of escalating crime in the area.

According to chairperson Chad Davies, large areas within Georginia consist of open land, which contributes to local crime.

“Of particular concern is the area adjacent to Hamberg Dam along Onslow Avenue,” said Davies.

“Illegal dumping is rife, and we have, on more than one occasion, had to chase off homeless people and prostitutes plying their trade, as well as teenagers up to no good along Onslow Avenue.”

The GNW prides itself on being a proactive network of neighbours who work hard to try to keep their area safe.

They conduct regular patrols and run a tightly controlled WhatsApp group where neighbours can report problems and receive feedback.

“We are very strict about who we allow on the WhatsApp group since we’ve learned from other areas, where criminals have infiltrated the community WhatsApp groups.”

The neighbourhood watch is also actively assisting police and municipal entities in its area.

“After suffering repeated electricity outages due to vandalisation of the Onslow Avenue Switching Station, we managed to raise funds and erect a palisade fence around it, thereby considerably reducing the number of attempts at infrastructure plundering,” he added.

Committee member Clinton Leal added that illegal dumping is one of the watch’s priorities.

“People use the open areas to dump everything from building rubble to garden and household refuse. We also have a problem with informal recyclers using the open space to sort their wares, often simply discarding unrecyclable materials or burning them.

“We have put a programme in place where we take photos of people dumping, including of their vehicle registration numbers, which are then forwarded to JMPD’s by-law enforcement unit. We are hoping that this initiative starts paying off over the next few months.”

The Roodepoort Record has reached out to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla for comment on the initiative, which will be added once received.

Davies has invited residents of Georginia to become members of the GNW.

“We currently have a small group of highly dedicated neighbours, but would like to grow our ranks as many hands make light work. We would like to particularly attract more members from the southern side of Georginia Station,” he said.

For more information on the GNW, or to find out how to become a member, contact Davies on 076 300 1629.