The Florida Blockwatch (FBW) held their monthly meeting on April 16 at Hoërskool Florida’s Hotel School.
The meeting was well attended with a strong showing from residents, private security companies, a representative from the Florida Police Station, DA Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, and a guest speaker from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
FBW chairperson John Kirsten opened formalities with a short welcoming and introduction of the participants in the meeting.
Captain Louis Jooste presented a short crime report, highlighting the crimes that have been prominent in the area since the last meeting. According to Jooste, burglary at residential and business premises, theft, vehicle theft, and theft out of motor vehicles remain problematic in the Florida area, and are being addressed by the police.
EC Security area manager Shaun Pretorius used the opportunity to warn residents to be careful when out and about in the area.
“We’ve seen an increase in common robberies, where criminals target pedestrians. Bag snatching is of concern, and we urge residents to be aware of their surroundings.
“We are also seeing cable theft picking up again, even though we have not had load-shedding for a while.”
According to Pretorius, other crimes that are on the increase are the robbery of courier vehicles and business robberies.
“We’ve also had two attempted kidnappings in one month.”
OUTA representative Julia Fish spoke to the community and the FBW about the work that the organisation is doing. Fish emphasised that OUTA has broadened its focus since the recent abolition of the dreaded e-tolls. The organisation is now working closely with local communities, helping them to efficiently navigate reporting to entities and holding local municipalities and entities accountable for service delivery.
She invited the FBW to align with Joburg Community Action Network (CAN), a division of OUTA that helps local communities navigate local government structures.
Councillor Finn urged the community to hold the municipality accountable for service delivery and shared information on how to register to vote, even if you have moved.
The meeting was concluded with a short report from FBW regarding their ongoing projects, including their fundraising initiatives, cleanup operations, mini-substation securing, fire hydrant marking, and community patrols.
Kirsten shared that the FBW is currently exploring some new initiatives, including a camera project.
“The cameras will be owned by FBW and will be linked to security networks. The cameras will feature both facial and vehicle recognition, and we are hoping to have a pilot camera or two up and running in short order.”
