According to Roodepoort Community Policing Forum‘s Margaret Roodt, community involvement is of utmost importance in the fight against crime related activities.
In the past week, at least six perpetrators were caught at respective crime scenes and several firearms were confiscated as a result of the speedy response between block watch members, security companies and the police. In the previous month, more arrests were made as a result of community action.
“This is only what we are aware of and we know that the success rate is much higher,” said Roodt.
“Various block watches have embraced new technologies such as WhatsApp and other social media channels and we have noticed an increased awareness between community members. Block watches are starting to break down boundaries between the areas and they assist each other when an alert is triggered. This allows all members to be on the watch out for criminals who try to flee from the scene. These initiatives make it extremely difficult for the perpetrator to disappear.
“The idea is to get all relevant parties involved in order to assist the police on the ground. Security companies have been exceptionally supportive in working with block watches to combat crime,” she said.
Roodt has urged the community to get involved and visit the website of their relevant blockwatch. Alternatively they can send an e-mail to Margaret Roodt, Public Relations officer of the Roodepoort Community Policing Forum at procpf@gmail.com
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