Sector 3 of the Roodepoort policing precinct has a new sector manager in the form of Sergeant Marie van Dyk.

Formerly attached to the West Rand K9 Unit, Van Dyk is highly experienced and has proven herself more than competent in her previous roles to take on this new challenge.

Sector 3 consists of Horison, Horison View, Horison Park, Ontdekkers Park, Honey Hills, Roodepoort North, Discovery, Georginia North, Carenvale, Constantia Kloof, and Westgate.

Van Dyk did not waste time getting to know her community, having already introduced herself at the local crime forum meeting, and having attended various CPF and block watch engagements, including a prayer and awareness campaign at Village@Horison.

“I look forward to working closely with the community and making a real difference,” she says.

“I believe in pro-active policing and thus will be undertaking regular crime prevention operations and awareness campaigns.

“I also believe in working closely the various forums in keeping my sector safe.”

Van Dyk says the most common crime trend within sector 3 at the moment is theft out of motor vehicles.

“My first focus will be on resolving the high numbers of thefts from vehicles. I am also concerned about gate motor thefts, the theft of tyres and mags, and dog poisonings, that have been on the rise.”

As a former dog-unit officer, Van Dyk admits she has a particular affinity for four-legged family members, and has urged residents to keep their dogs safe.

“Always keep some activated charcoal on hand as this may make all the difference should your dog be poisoned, and immediately report any poisoning incident to the police.”