New crime prevention initiative launched
A new crime-fighting initiative promises to make a big difference in Roodepoort.
Priority crimes continue to impact the safety of residents. In response, a new patroller group has been established to help combat organised and priority crimes in Sector One of the Roodepoort policing precinct.
The Sector Specialised Operations Patrollers (SSOP) officially launched on January 29, marking the beginning of an intelligence-led, operations-driven crime prevention initiative.
The brainchild of police sector manager Warrant Officer Johan Loots and SSOP patrol captain Leon Marinus, the unit was founded to help tackle crime strategically, working in close collaboration with police, JMPD, the CPF, neighbourhood watches, Netcare 911, ER24, and City of Johannesburg Emergency Services.
“We are not a neighbourhood watch,” says Marinus. “We help in combating priority and organised crime by gathering intelligence on the ground and through technologically advanced methods.”
Marinus adds that SSOP is built on professionalism and integrity, with members undergoing strict vetting processes and continuous development to ensure their efficacy in combating crime, to play a critical role in strengthening existing crime-fighting efforts by focusing on proactive measures.
“The rise in sophisticated organised crime in neighbourhoods demands a focused response. SSOP was established to fill this gap and support crime-fighting structures within local communities.”
Since December 1, SSOP has already played a significant role, participating in 47 arrests for illegal immigration, drug-related offences, infrastructure theft, and general theft.
They’ve had a hand in the recovery of two stolen vehicles, a vehicle used in the commission of crimes, and the prevention of three house robberies, to name a few.
Assistance was provided at various incidents, including business robberies, car accidents, suicide scenes, domestic violence incidents, and public disorder situations, and they contributed to 29 Bolos (be on the lookout) being issued, several vehicles linked to house robberies identified and the exposure a ring of gate motor thieves.
“SSOP forms part of the CPF structure and operates under the authority of police to ensure accountability and alignment with official crime-fighting efforts,” Marinus concludes.
