GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Col Loxton Falteni (59) was appointed as station commander of the Graaff-Reinet SAPS in January, a promotion move from his post as Station Commander in Fort Beaufort.
Originally from Bisho, he studied in the former Transkei before completing his training in East London.
His first post was an administrative one at the police college in Bisho, and from there, he worked in various stations around the Eastern Cape.
Falteni is married and has two children and one granddaughter.
Since moving to Graaff-Reinet, he has been impressed by the positive attitude of the community towards the police. He sees the number of specialist units available in Graaff-Reinet, such as the K9 unit and stock theft unit, as a good bonus.
He has seen a noticeable spike in property crimes since April, mostly in the Horseshoe area and Umasizakhe.
He is convinced that most of this is drug-related, and sees drug abuse as a huge problem.
Many operations to raid suspected drug dealers are thwarted when the culprits seem to have prior warning, whether from informants, or cellphone messages sent when police are seen in the area.
There has been some outreach to schools when requested, and meetings have been held with officials from the Department of Education.
The police also work with the Department of Social Development, Falteni admitted that more liaison is needed with the formal business community. At this stage, they have tried to work with tavern owners, but would like to gradually widen the scope of contact with businesses.
Meetings are held monthly with representatives of the farming community, and there are two warrant officers dedicated to this sector.
The satellite station in Nieu Bethesda also falls under the Graaff-Reinet SAPS, and Falteni hopes that a post will be created so that a station can be established in the village.
There are a few hotspots for contact (violent) crimes, and the police are increasing patrols and visibility, especially over weekends.
Falteni would like to see more street committees and neighbourhood watch groups help with crime prevention.
Residents are welcome to phone him in this regard on 082 374 0340.
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