“South Africa has thousands of police officers on duty every day, backed up with armed response companies and other law enforcement organisations.

“A key element to this teamwork approach is members of the public also doing their bit to support policing and law enforcement efforts,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services Group.

The statistics (released in February 2024) showed murder cases increased by 2.1% while sexual offenses went down by 1.7%.

Police registered 7,710 murder cases between October and December 2023, up from 7,555 during the same period the previous year.

They opened 15,284 sexual offences cases, down from 15,545 in 2022.

“Neighbourhood watches are an integral part of any community, serving as the eyes and ears for police, law enforcement and security companies,” says Hattingh.

“The police simply cannot be everywhere, all the time. Armed response companies have also deployed the very best in technology backed by well-trained and equipped response officers.

“Alongside these, an active, well-resourced neighbourhood watch will always benefit any area,” says Hattingh.

Make contact with your local watch and find out how you can assist them, from volunteering for a patrol to supporting their fundraising drives so that they can buy the equipment they need.