Tuesday, 26 July 2011
CPF website adds punch to crime fight
The implementation of the Meerensee Community Policing Forum (CPF) website has seen crime in the suburb take a downward trend. Community subscribers or guests to the site will have noticed that notices, alerts and other emails from the CPF have been declining over the last couple of months. This is due to a 50% drop in crime over the past three months. According to Meerensee CPF Chairperson, Carel du Plessis, it is during the quiet times that people need to still be vigilant and not be caught unawares. ‘As with everything, we still need to put in the effort to maintain and continue to reduce the crime rate in the area. ‘When crime declines, people often start relaxing. But this is actually the time for preparation, planning and getting organised for when problems might arise again,’ he said. ‘The drop in criminal activity does not happen overnight and was made possible only due to teamwork by the community (via the CPF), the SAP and security companies.’ Many interventions have taken place, some visible and some behind the scenes. There is now a belief that speaking about a crime-free neighbourhood could soon become a reality and is actually within reach given the right focus and support. The public is therefore encouraged to continue to actively strive to help the CPFs and SAP maintain the current downward trend.
Background
The CPF in Meerensee started the website so that citizens could log incidents and share crime related information.
This has proved to be successful as people are now reporting incidents not normally reported to the SAP.
Based on current statistics over the past year, up to 40% of incidents are not reported to the SAP.
This includes cases such as suspicious persons loitering in the vicinity, trespassing and attempted burglaries.
Incidents reported on the website are distributed to all registered members on the mailing list.
With everyone in the area possessing up-to-date information, the community operates at a much higher level of alertness, which reduces the criminals’ surprise element.
In addition the police, also having access to this information, allows for more accurate statistical analysis of crime leading to improved crime prevention strategies.
Registering on this website is at no cost and will not make one a target.
The more eyes out there reporting crime, the better chance communities have of effectively curbing crime.
Crime prevention starts with unity and this can only be achieved with the support of all residents.