It takes a village to fight crime

ACTIVELY participating in the security of your community is helpful for your peace of mind.

After all, you are the one with the memories of little Michael learning to cycle down Anglers Rod Street, pieces of your life are peppered at every turn.

Les Rungasamy, Empangeni and Richards Bay branch manager for ADT agrees, ‘We work closely with several neighbourhood watches and community organizations across the country. When the public works hand-in-hand with their local security companies and the police, there is always a positive difference.’

The SAPS and private security companies just simply cannot be everywhere all the time. Rungasamy says it is the assistance from community organisations and caring residents that helps law enforcement and security companies deploy their limited resources in an efficient manner.

If there isn’t a community safety group active in your area, Rungasamy suggests that one should be formed.

‘For those looking to start a community security group, we encourage you to call on the private security industry to assist. They have first-hand knowledge of what works having helped other groups in the past. An integrated approach is also always more successful so perhaps find out if other groups are active in neighbouring suburbs and what has worked for them,’ he advises.

Not everyone has the ability or the appetite to patrol their neighbourhoods at night. But you can already make a huge difference by merely being observant of your surroundings, and speaking up when you see something that is out of place, Rungasamy said.

How to be involved with community safety initiatives without being on patrol:

• Watch out for broken fences and open gates which are usually closed.
• Look out for valuable items left unattended.
• Pay attention to children or vulnerable members of your community.
• Support neighbourhood watch activities and meetings.
• Vote in gatherings when required to do so.

‘By attending community meetings, reading emails and voting when called to do so, you can show support for those who have stepped up and are working towards a security solution for your suburb,’ said Rungasamy.

Follow ADT on their Facebook page and learn more about how they can keep your memories safe. Alternatively, email Les Rungasamy on nrungasamy@adt.co.za

Also read: CPF and neighbourhood watch groups