Police forge ties with local security companies to tackle crime hot spot

Cape Town 24-07-16 Kraaifontein police team up with security companies Picture Brenton Geach

Cape Town 24-07-16 Kraaifontein police team up with security companies Picture Brenton Geach

Published Jul 25, 2016

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A JOINT operation between Kraaifontein police and nine 
private security companies has kept a crime hot spot incident-free for the past month.

On Monday, station Comman- der Brigadier Gerda van Niekerk said the success was largely due to the security companies helping to keep Kraaifontein’s Station Road robbery-free.

The route is used by commuters from Scottsdene, Wallacedene, Bloekombos and Kleinbegin, and people were often robbed on their way to and from the station.

Van Niekerk said robbers were targeting the area during peak travelling times, prompting police to seek a way to deter this activity.

Because of these companies helping to provide a greater presence and a WhatsApp group, commuters and residents felt safer, Van Niekerk said.

“We needed these owners to come on board and help their community. Now, at any given time, nine vehicles patrol, which under normal circumstances the police cannot provide,” said Van Niekerk.

She said she dared not ask what this cost each company as some were patrolling sectors where they had no clients.

The owner of one of the security companies, Charl du Toit, said the focus was on keeping the community safe rather than the costs involved.

“We are working towards expanding this initiative. Businesses have come on board as their staff and clients are impacted,” said Du Toit.

Another security company owner said a business owner began installing CCTV in 
strategic areas to assist with the operations.

Local garage manager Elias Hendricks said they had been targeted by robbers.

“Our clients and staff are important and we appreciate any initiative helping to keep them safe. Police and security personal get free coffee during patrols as our small way of saying thank you,” said Hendricks.

Van Niekerk is appealing to the greater Kraaifontein community to get involved in their goal of expanding the initiative.

Residents and business owners can contact Van Niekerk on [email protected], or call 021 980 5533.

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