Crime in Sector 2 can be prevented by residents

John Baisley, chairperson of the Sector 2 Honeydew CPF has urged residents to be more aware of their surroundings and property.

Baisley said the Honeydew policing area is broken into four sectors. Sector 2 is made up largely of Weltevreden Park, parts of Randpark Ridge, Allen’s Nek and parts of Constantia Kloof.

It is a vast area, which mostly consists of residential properties, and therefore, crime is a problem.

He said the biggest crime-related problems in the sector are burglaries, home robberies, the theft of vehicles and theft out of vehicles. Driveway robberies, where the driver is followed home, is also a concern.

“Of these crimes, you as a resident can, to a large degree, prevent the theft of cars and theft out of cars. With our recently implemented CPF patrols you will be amazed at how many cars are found unattended on pavements. Do not leave valuables in your car, especially at shopping centres. When coming home ensure you are not being followed,” Baisley advised.

The patrols seek to prevent any criminal activity before it occurs. Baisley said visible policing works; this is why resident associations contract a dedicated service provider to actively patrol the area. Armed response is no longer good enough to keep criminals at bay, he said. It is better to have constant patrols than to have a company respond after a crime has been committed.

Residents must be aware of their surroundings and know where to report suspicious cars or persons.

Many associations have WhatsApp groups. According to Baisley, this communication has made a world of difference in the fight against crime. In many cases, security providers in the area are also on the group.

“Only when we know of issues can we, together with the police, take preventative action. Report any incident that has occurred to the police and your residents’ association,” Baisley added.

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