According to independent security practioner, Louis Grobler, crime prevention is not only about the physical measures you take but also about your attitude.
According to Grobler crime has two victims. One is the person who suffers loss or injury and the other is the community. When faced with rising crime, neighbours retreat behind locked doors, merchants abandon businesses, and streets become empty at night. Fear creates isolation, and that increases the neighbourhood’s vulnerability to crime.
But, said Grobler, crime doesn’t have to be a fact of life. “Millions of citizens in thousands of neighbourhoods across the country have proved that building a sense of community and taking common-sense precautions can cut crime and counter fear. It takes time, energy, and commitment, but the results are worth it, said Grobler.
“How do we prevent crime and what does doing so mean?,” he asked.
According to him it means making it harder for something harmful to happen. “Crime prevention means reducing the chances for criminals to victimise you, your family, and neighbours. It means protecting property and teaching kids and adults to be alert and aware. It means doing things that build communities up, and stopping things that tear communities down.
“You need to go beyond watching out. You need to help out, too. When all is said and done, your safety, health, and satisfaction depend on the well-being of others. That’s why partnerships are such a key part of successful crime prevention. It takes everyone working together,” he concluded.
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