PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - As neighbourhood watch groups had been given the green light to take up patrolling again after an initial lockdown ban on such activities, Plettenberg Bay’s Plett Watch is urging residents to become involved with their local neighbour watch group in an effort to reduce crime after a noticeable rise in recent weeks.
“Now that the curfew has been lifted, there are people moving around at all hours, scouting and waiting for an opportunity,” Plett Watch’s Lisa Nagel said.
She added that they would therefore like to build up a solid team of patrollers to assist in deterring criminals. “Our existing team is very keen to show new members the ropes and build up a formidable force against criminals. It has been proven over and over again that a presence is a very efficient method of preventing crime, and that is all we require: no contact with criminals, you don't even need to leave your vehicle – just be eyes and ears,” Nagel said.
And the past weekend again proved just how important the role of patrollers are. Nagel said they had volunteers out for most of Friday night and Saturday morning with no sign of criminal activity. “Visibility definitely deters anyone contemplating crime. On Saturday night we had a few members out until 22:00 and everything was quiet again.”
A few hours later, though, after the patrollers had stood down, the reports of criminal activity started coming in. “By 10:00 on Saturday morning we had already been made aware of nine incidents. These incidents occurred mainly down Longships, Pladda, The Prongs, Hanois, Pendeen, Robberg and Maplin streets. There were a couple of actual burglaries and then incidents of intruders in people’s properties.
She made a further call on all residents to be vigilant and to reach out to the vulnerable. “We have many aged, frail, vulnerable people in our midst who also need to know that they are being looked after. Please make a concerted effort to see who your neighbours are, and if you are aware of a vulnerable person living nearby, keep an eye out for that person.
Connect with them and let them know that you are available should they be in danger or need assistance in any way. Take note of the holiday homes around you and report any suspicious movement in or around those houses. Criminals may be hiding in a property right next door to you and watching your movements.”
Nagel also reminded residents to activate their alarm systems at night and when they are out, and to keep all security gates locked, windows secured and valuables out of sight. “Security beams are a great warning signal of someone attempting to gain entry. Dogs barking in the area can mean there is movement. If you are concerned, use your panic button and turn on as many lights as possible.
"If you think there is someone inside your house, lock yourself in a room and immediately call for assistance while pressing your panic button. If you are in any danger, the more assistance you request, the better.”
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