Crime prevention training boosts community safety in Mitchells Plain
5 April 2016
A number of new neighbourhood watch recruits and street committee members have received training aimed at bolstering community policing in the Mitchells Plain area. The budget for the training was provided through a ward allocation grant from Cllr Eddie Andrews (Ward 78) and a subsidy from the City’s Safety and Security Directorate. The programme is now in its seventh year and forms part of the Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme.
Crime prevention training
This initiative aims to reduce crime and to put in place various crime prevention measures in collaboration with local and provincial stakeholders. The programme participants are trained in concepts such as the ‘broken windows’ effect; basic patrolling techniques; fault reporting and other service delivery matters; and are also introduced to legislation related to community safety.
The grant included the distribution of security equipment including reflective jackets, bicycles and held-held radios which will be provided to participating organisations on completion of the training.
“Volunteers are essential in any big city, as the police and other enforcement agencies cannot create safer communities on their own. Volunteers do not necessarily have to be active patrollers; they can just be vigilant.
“Every community member who watches what happens on the street from their property is like an active CCTV camera, as long as they know what to report and where to report it. Research shows that the single most powerful deterrent for house robbers is an active neighbourhood watch and we encourage residents to continue working with us to combat crime in their neighbourhoods,” said Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
Integrated approach to fighting crime
Recently, the City has started linking the neighbourhood watch hand radios to the Metro Police control room to allow for faster response times. Law Enforcement has also started using the neighbourhood watch structures to recruit candidates for their Auxiliary Service.
“Subcouncil 12 is committed to addressing crime in a holistic manner that also empowers our neighbourhood watch members and their communities. This approach allows communities to play an active role in building safe environments for themselves and their families,” said Cllr Andrews.
Get involved
Contact your local neighbourhood watch to get involved in fighting crime in your community. Alternatively, contact the Subcouncil 12 office on 021 444 8696 to volunteer your services.
Report any criminal or suspicious activities in your area to Law Enforcement on 021 596 1999.
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