Some helpful Tips

This was a press release to the  District Mail 29/06/2009

Re:Community Safety

by :  The Chairman of the Somerset West Community Police Forum

Due to the sharp increase in crime over the last couple of months in Somerset West consisting mostly of burglaries and hijackings in driveways,we would like to remind the public that there are some things that we can all do to ensure our safety and not become targets.

• Get to know your neighbours and build a trusting relationship with them.

• Don't just let anybody on your premises without checking their identity first and that includes your domestic workers and gardeners (check references and keep copies of IDs).

• Keep some lights on outside at night but ensure to switch them off during the day so that it does not appear that there is no-one home.

• Do not keep windows and doors partially open for ventilation as this serves as an invitation to unwanted visitors.

• Make sure the number of your house is clearly visible, (e.g. use reflective paint).

• When approaching your driveway make sure that there are no loiterers close by. Trim bushes and hedges back from the road to aid visibility.

• Register with your neighbourhood watch and with Helderberg Crime Watch for quick response in case of emergency.

• Familiarise yourself with all emergency numbers, including the SAPS sector vans’ cellphone numbers.

• Report suspicious people and vehicles in your area immediately.

• Car guards should be wearing appropriate uniform and identification which makes them registered car guards. DO NOT give money or entertain discussion with guards that are not registered.

• Read the contract you have with Security Companies carefully and make sure you understand what they entail.

• Know how to use your alarm system and fix a faulty system as false alarms place a huge burden on SAPS and waste valuable time from patrolling.

We have meetings with the security companies operating in our area and try to get them to work with the police and the community. We are currently looking at setting up a joint ops room from which we could be in touch with both SAPS and security companies, co-ordinating responses to emergencies. This has to be a community driven project and we are looking for any help from the public, e.g. financial assistance, radio expertise, computers, etc.

Kind regards

Andrew Cosmopoulos

CHAIRMAN

SOMERSET WEST COMMUNITY POLICE FORUM