NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — About 50 people from Nieu-Bethesda and Pienaarsig gathered last Thursday to formally establish a Neighbourhood Watch in the village.

While crime has never really been of major significance in Bethesda, the past year has seen an escalation of both petty and more serious crime.

A group of concerned citizens met during the December holidays to brainstorm solutions to these issues.

The village is small enough to know some of the perpetrators so ‘waylay’ groups were formed who patrolled at random times.

With modern technology, communication is relatively easy, and a WattsApp group worked well in informing residents when those involved with crime in the past were seen on the streets.

The police were then quick to respond to concerns and observations.

With invaluable advice and support from WO Gerrie van Rooyen and the SAPS, incidences of crime started to lessen as the community and the police became more proactive in fighting crime together.

With a core group in place, the general community was invited to attend a meeting where a formal Neighbourhood Watch was established in conjunction with the CPF. A committee was formed, membership applications submitted and a draft constitution set up.

The main purpose of the Nieu-Bethesda Neighbourhood Watch is to assist the police by being the ‘eyes and ears’ in the village.

With constant communication and co-operation between the NBNW, the SAPS and the CPF, it is hoped that Nieu-Bethesda can once again become the peaceful, crime-free village that made it so unique.

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