SECTOR 1 RESIDENTS MEET WITH SAPS AND CPF REPRESENTATIVES

25th May, 2010

At a meeting held in the Somerset West Library Hall last night, 24 May 2010, interested residents from Sector 1 met with Capt. Adams, Sector 1 Commander, Lt Col Lento, Head of Visible Policing and the CPF.

The meeting was chaired by Andrew Cosmopoulos, CPF Chairperson, who urged residents of Sector 1 to join in the crime prevention drive which was already operating successfully in Sector 2.

Lt Col Lento confirmed that, due to the successful implementation of Neighbourhood Watches in six areas of Sector 2, 80% of crime had now been displaced to Sector 1, where criminals could still operate without being noticed. Recent housebreakings had taken place all over Sector 1 (Parel Vallei/Land-en-Zeezicht/Roundhay/CBD etc.) and residents would have to increase their awareness of their surroundings and alert SAPS to suspicious activity. Criminals were increasingly using bicycles to move around areas unnoticed as it was easier to monitor cars. Capt Adams gave out the three Sector van phone numbers that residents could call directly: Sector 1: 082 411 2703, Sector 2: 082 411 2715, Sector 3: 082 411 2036.

The Steynsrust Watch administrator recounted how a small group of residents had got together to form a Neighbourhood Watch which had now grown and spread to most of Sector 2 and included a radio network, patrols by residents and sms alerts. Several Sector 1 residents expressed an interest in getting a Neighbourhood Watch started in various suburbs of Sector 1. For further information please contact the Chairman on 084 399 8880 or the Secretary on 082 457 9464."