Communities across South Africa should support their local law enforcement and other security role players.<\/p>\n
Fidelity ADT said this partnership approach to crime fighting has shown huge successes in the fight against crime.<\/p>
\u201cWe work closely with several neighbourhood watches and community organisations across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the public works hand-in-hand with their local security companies and the police, there is always a positive difference and generally a much safer community,\u201d said Stuart Clarkson, managing executive for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>
The police and private security companies have limited resources and personnel.<\/p>\n
They simply cannot be everywhere all the time and depend on communities \u2018eyes and ears\u2019 to help them deploy their limited resources in the most effective way possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot everyone has the ability or the appetite to patrol their neighbourhoods at night.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you can already make a huge difference by merely being observant of your surroundings, and speaking up when you see something that is out of place,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake note of any potential safety issues and raise it with your neighbours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes everything from broken fences, to open gates, to valuable items left unattended.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same goes for children or vulnerable members of your community \u2013 by simply caring for their safety, you can already make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
If there isn\u2019t a community safety group active in your area, Clarkson suggests that one should be formed.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those looking to start a community security group, we encourage you to call on the private security industry to assist.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have first-hand knowledge of what works having assisted other groups in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn integrated approach is also always more successful so perhaps find out if other groups are already active in neighbouring suburbs, and share ideas with them,\u201d Clarkson advised.<\/p>\n
In those communities that are lucky enough to have neighbourhood watches or similar organisations, it is important to support their activities and attend the meetings they arrange.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy attending community meetings, reading emails and voting when called to do so, you can show support for those who have stepped up and are working towards a security solution for you and your loved ones,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n
Breaking News: Elderly man found dead, woman in critical condition in Wychwood<\/a><\/p>\n