Foot patrols make a difference in Sea Park
Irven said the frustrating part was the filthy mess and litter created and left behind by the shack dwellers in the reserve.
Every week a group of community role-players embark on a crime prevention walk in and around the area from Sea Park to Pumula.
Southport Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman John Irven, with Sergeant Vicky Lattin (Sector Commander of Southport Sector 1), Assistant Supervisor Mbongeni Musa and Kisten Moodley of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality took a walk along the railway lines and beach in Sea Park last Thursday.
“We have built a solid relationship with RNM, the police and local security companies, and our weekly foot patrol has been rewarding and yielded some positive results. It is important to have a visible presence in the community – it makes people think twice before doing crime,” said Irven.
He said, where possible, complaints or concerns from residents about suspicious activity taking place in their neighbourhood would be followed up on.
He explained that illegal shacks erected in the admiral reserve, close to the railway line have been discovered.
“RNM officers then follow the correct legal processes to have these illegal shacks demolished. The police also keep a record on who is living or visiting these illegal camps.”
Irven said the frustrating part was the filthy mess and litter created and left behind by the shack dwellers in the reserve.
“Once the illegal structures are correctly demolished, members from the Bendigo Conservancy have to come in and voluntarily clean up and restore the natural vegetation.”
Many dangerous weapons have also been found and confiscated from people loitering in the area.
Recently, Saps recognised a man wanted for housebreaking while checking up on an illegal squatter camp.
He had been involved in a house robbery a few days prior, where he had bitten and stabbed a home owner in Sea Park.
Police arrested the man and his finger prints linked him to the house robbery, and he was subsequently charged.
Irven praised the RNM officers, Saps and Ratel Security for going the extra mile and conducting foot patrols to keep the suburb safe.
“We are fortunate to have these dedicated men and women who are passionate about working with the community to make a difference. We need to support our unsung heroes,” he said.
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