The Orchards call for enhanced police and CPF visibility amid rising crime

The Orchards community in the north of Pretoria is facing increasing concerns over a recent spike in criminal activities, particularly housebreakings occurring at night.

Akasia CPF Steps Up to Address Rising Crime

• The Akasia CPF has outlined its strategy to improve safety and boost community engagement in response to the growing alarm among residents.

Recent assessments conducted by the CPF have revealed a rise in opportunistic crimes like theft and burglary, predominantly in Sector 2, which encompasses areas such as The Orchards, Karenpark, and Chantelle.

CPF public relations officer Lerato Makwe stated that the organization has identified crime hotspots and patterns, prompting immediate actions to mitigate the escalating risks faced by residents.

Concerns raised by community members mainly revolve around the necessity for increased visible patrols and quicker responses from law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety.

• Residents advocate for more police and CPF presence on the streets to restore a sense of security, as highlighted by local resident Maria Buthelezi.

In response to these apprehensions, the CPF has launched initiatives to intensify patrols, with patrollers conducting street-by-street operations in the area to deter criminal activities in high-risk zones and reinforce community safety measures.

Building Trust and Enhancing Communication

• The CPF’s core strategy revolves around developing trust between law enforcement authorities and residents through community meetings, awareness programs, and utilizing social media platforms to encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
• CPF emphasizes the importance of open communication and urges residents to report any dubious behavior to facilitate swift and effective responses.

Makwe emphasized that the CPF acts as an intermediary between residents and law enforcement, ensuring that community concerns are promptly addressed by coordinating efforts with SAPS to create a more secure environment for all.

Past Success and Future Initiatives

• Previous initiatives such as community patrols and neighborhood watch programs have proven effective in reducing crime rates.
• Educational campaigns focusing on safety awareness have empowered residents to take proactive measures in safeguarding themselves and their properties.

The CPF is now exploring expanding its watchmen initiative by increasing volunteer participation and collaborating with local security firms to bolster patrols during peak crime hours.

Makwe stressed the importance of additional resources, including surveillance technology and manpower, to effectively combat crime and urged residents to actively participate in crime prevention efforts by volunteering for patrols and reporting any suspicious activities.

Community involvement is deemed essential in the collective battle against crime, as unity presents the strongest defense.

Source: The Citizen