Arbovlei CPF hard at work to combat crime

DESPITE a welcome decrease in crime after significant recent police successes, the Arbovlei Community Police Forum is intensifying its efforts to establish a solid resident network as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the SAPS.

Following the heated anti-crime meeting earlier this month, the Arbovlei CPF executive has met almost daily sorting through the names of volunteers who offered their services and dividing the suburbs of Arboretum and Veldenvlei into manageable units.

Under the direction of Arbovlei CPF Chairman Rob Sedice, two Sub-Forum Leaders have been appointed.

Ian Rapson will head the Arboretum section, which has been divided into 12 zones, while Roelof Camminga will head the Veldenvlei section, which comprises six zones.

Zone Managers are to be selected for each zone.

The zones will be further broken down to street level, each with a Street Co-ordinator.

‘Essentially, we have formed a two-way chain of communication,’ said Sedice.

‘The basis is a ‘Know your Neighbour’ initiative, fighting crime through communication.

‘Residents should know those who live in their street, exchange telephone numbers and be there as support in case of criminal activity.

‘We are very aware of the need to operate within the CPF mandate and the legislation from the Department of Safety and Liaison, and we are forging stronger ties with the local SAPS.

‘We encourage all residents of these suburbs to join forces with us. Street Co-ordinators will be canvassing for support.

‘We are not here to do police work but rather to enable them to work better through the information we provide.

‘We are taking things a step further, getting information of which homes have someone who offers special assistance such as nursing, fire-fighting, snake catching or whatever else might benefit their immediate community.

‘The police in turn will share security advice and we will provide emergency numbers for all kinds of home situations, crime and otherwise.

‘We will also be linking with the SAPS Sector Policing patrols.’

Any person wanting to be involved can contact Capt Debbie Ferreira on 035 9012494.

The Arbovlei CPF has decided to only use the ‘Richards Bay – Sharing Criminal Activity’ address as its official Facebook site as all posts are verified and the site is managed by BAC Manager, Dave Whittaker.

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