Watch out – there’s a new crime fighter on the block
South African Community Crime Watch works closely with Community Policing Forums, police, neighbourhood watch groups and security companies.
A non-profit crime fighting organisation is working hard to make the South Coast a safer place.
South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) is an apolitical group which aims to reduce and prevent crime through the provision of information to law enforcement agencies from anonymous sources, while assisting in the ongoing fight against crime and loss of life.
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SACCW works closely with Community Policing Forums, police, neighbourhood watch groups and security companies. Steven King, CEO of the organisation says they assist law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and conviction of criminals, recovery of stolen property, illegal narcotics and finding missing persons.
He said crime had increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. About two weeks ago, two vehicles were stolen from the Mtwalume and Umkomaas areas in two separate incidents. Due to SACCW’s immediate response both vehicles were recovered, said Mr King. On the missing persons front he said, “We have had a few cases in which our investigations revealed that the missing person had been murdered by a family member for a policy payout.” Locally, Alan Cutten is heading up the community neighbourhood crime watch group between Umkomaas and Port Edward.
Ratel Armed Reaction and Farm Protection has joined forces with SACCW to ensure the protection of the community. Dennis Dolan and Karel Beetge of Ratel urged the public to always keep the three As in mind – aware, alert and avoid. They also encouraged people to report any suspicious behavior, for example vehicles driving around without licence plates.
Former policeman Karel and his team from Ratel have had some great successes of late.
A gang of five was arrested in KwaMadlala for the theft of a cellphone, and the man who stabbed John Irven, chairman of the Community Safety Organisation four times in 2010 has finally been caught and linked to the crime
via fingerprints. They are also working hard to remove snares, used for poaching wildlife, from suburbs bordering farming areas. One of the impressive aspects of SACCW is the SOS panic button which can be activated even if you don’t have airtime or data on your phone. It also works on any phone, not only on smart phones. For more information on the organisation, visit www.saccw.org.za
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