GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — A Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting was held in Graaff-Reinet on Tuesday evening, October 3.
The general public came out in their numbers to voice their concerns about escalating crime in Graaff-Reinet.
Various issues were raised by the attending residents and SAPS representatives. One of the dominating issues raised was the aggressive and illegal car guards operating illegally all throughout town.
SAPS officials were pleased to announce that they recently had a successful operation, confiscating 40 ‘car guard' vests which mislead people into thinking these are legal car guards, who they are obligated to pay. During this operation, various hawkers were also issued with fines.
Another issue raised was the escalating crime rate. Residents urged police to increase their police presence and communicate with residents if there are areas where they are able to assist.
Some residents complained about delayed response when calling the police after break-ins and the like, to which Colonel Siyaya encouraged residents to report such delays so the matter can be looked into and addressed.
Colonel Siyaya also urged residents to save a second contact number, besides 10111, which residents can call in the case of emergencies. This number is 049 807 1100.
The Facebook page called 'Graaff-Reinet Neighbourhood Watch' was also discussed at length as community members applauded the effectiveness of the social media platform for keeping residents in the loop of criminal activity and areas of concern.
The CPF's chairman encouraged residents to formalise the Facebook page in line with the appropriate legal parameters so as to work more efficiently alongside the CPF and SAPS.
Councillors and municipal officials were however not in attendance and residents as well as SAPS and the CPF encourage these entities to attend these meetings as it is important for all round community cohesion.
Monthly meetings
All organisations and residents are invited to attend the CPF's monthly meetings in the hall at the back of the Graaff-Reinet Police Station.
The CPF is the link between the community and the local police force. Residents can find out about crime patterns in the town and measures the police are taking to combat crime in the various neighbourhoods.
The CPF meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 17:00 and are open to the members of the community.
“The time has come for us to stand up as a community, participate, make positive suggestions and assist the police in kerbing unlawful behaviour in our town. If you care about your own safety and the security of your family please attend the meeting,” commented concerned local Greg Kappers.
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