GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The Graaff-Reinet Neighbourhood Watch Facebook group has over 1 000 members, the vast majority being concerned citizens who are willing to look out for each other and share a warning about crime “hot-spots” and problems.
Recently many concerns have surfaced regarding the informal so called car-guards and street children who plague residents outside the supermarkets and in other shopping areas.
“The alleged car guards are not trained nor appointed and quite often they are not sober either,” said Rose Wright, founder of the group.
Many reports cite instances where one of the so-called guards distracts a shopper, and then another steals goods, either from a loaded trolley or from the back of a bakkie. Usually, the victims are those thought to be vulnerable, often elderly women and tourists, and many reports feeling intimidated and threatened. Unfortunately, it seems that these instances are often witnessed by many others, who do nothing to help the victim.
One member commented that when you walk the pavement in front of Shoprite you can smell the dagga they are smoking there, and the abuse of alcohol in the area is also rife, with people openly drinking and smoking. It is felt that Shoprite management should take up some of the responsibility for the safety of their shoppers. When the store manager was approached by the Advertiser, she explained that she is unable to speak to the press. An email has been forwarded to the relevant person, and it is hoped that a response will be forthcoming for next week’s edition.
The threatening behaviour of informal guards and loiterers in the parking area outside Pick n Pay in Church Street has also attracted some criticism.
Owner Peter Waddelow responded that he is currently testing the idea of putting one of their own staff members as a guard at the front of the shop. He is wearing a badge and a name tag. “His instructions are to assist customers with trolleys to their car and return them to store afterwards, to keep the store front clean and tidy, and to look out for trouble makers. He has been told not to ask for or wait for tips”. Waddelow reinterated a comment frequently made, that if people refrain from tipping there is no incentive for these men to pose as car guards.
Fortunately the main supermarkets all have secure parking areas behind the store, and this seems to be the safest option.
Wright sent an email to Col Jonathan van der Rheede, Station Commander of Graaff-Reinet SAPS, expressing the concerns of members of the group, and asking for a report from SAPS on these instances.
Col van der Rheede was quick to respond, and stressed the importance of reporting all such instances to the police. He said that officers are deployed in the shopping areas, but that they work according to a crime pattern analysis, hence it is imperative that they know which areas are experiencing problems. He also urged members of the Neighbourhood Watch group to become involved in community policing structures where issues like these are discussed.
Cllr Samantha Graham has submitted an urgent motion on car guards to the Community Services Portfolio, which she hopes will be tabled at their next meeting to be held on 5th September.
In the meantime, Wright has also sent an email to the acting Municipal Manager asking for help in this regard, as they also have a responsibility to control the vagrants and street children, so that residents and visitors can walk the streets in safety.
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