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Using the ward allocation budget of R100 000, neighbourhood watch patrollers in Ocean View have been equipped with essential tools to ensure safer streets.
On Wednesday 1 May, Watch patrollers received equipment such as radios, bodycams, dashcams and vests.
Ocean View Community Policing Form (CPF) deputy chair Terence Daniels explains that a collaboration between Ocean View police, the CPF and Ward 61 councillor Simon Liell-Cock was a proactive approach to community safety.
“In the battle against rising crime rates, the importance of boots on the ground cannot be overstated.
“By equipping Ocean View neighbourhood watches with essential tools like hi-visibility jackets, flashlights, radios, body cameras and danger tape, they’re empowering residents to actively combat criminal activities.”
He adds that the partnership goes beyond mere provision of equipment.
“Regular visits by the station commander Lt Col Rewayne Muller and the CPF chair Mansoer Ismail to neighbourhood watch patrols demonstrate a tangible commitment to crime prevention and community engagement.
“These interactions not only bolster morale but also foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.”
He points out that residents can take a proactive step in enhancing safety and security by starting or joining a neighbourhood watch group.
“Through collective vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement, communities can effectively deter criminal behaviour and create a safer environment for all residents.”
Meanwhile, Liell-Cock emphasises the importance of equipping neighbourhood watches with radios.
“A R100 000 budget went to Ocean View and another R100 000 from councillor Patricia Francke for Masiphumelele from our 2023-’24 budget for the year.
“The equipment included around 25 radios, which means patrollers can directly communicate with police, bodycams can record evidence and the jackets will keep patrollers dry during winter.”
According to Ismail, the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, police, the CPF and neighbourhood watch patrollers has significantly reduced crime in Ocean View.
“Our streets have been quiet for some time and the crime rate has come down in the past year.
“Every weekend we have a different team on the streets doing patrols and to do stop and searches.
“The last time we had a shooting was in December.”
He further explains that their safety plan has now turned its focus to Masiphumelele where crime is rife.
“Our concentration is on Masiphumelele where there are a lot of issues with gender-based violence (GBV) and crimes with alcohol playing a main role,” concludes Ismail.
