‘Close-knit neighbourhoods can deter crime’
KUCHING: Awareness of crime should instilled in a person from young, to prevent them from getting involved in a host of problems later on, says Sungai Apong police station officer-incharge ASP Morebon Manju.
According to him, once they have entered their youth years, they should then be guided to ensure that they would be able to play and be a key part in their respective communities.
“It is also important to foster closer relationship with the residents of your neighbourhood in relation to the safety of the community,” Morebon said during a community policing programme at Kampung Cemerlang on Friday night.
He said with close relationships being forged, a community would be able to know one another better and work as a team to face any challenge more effectively.
“The scenario that we really want to avoid is when the whole family members are involved in criminal activities. This sounds illogical but it is actually a fact and it’s happening in Kuching,” he added.
Citing Kampung Cemerlang as a good example of a close relationship forged between residents, Morebon acknowledged the presence of this neighbourhood’s Volunteer Patrolling Scheme (SRS), where the members would notify the police should they come across any suspicious character or cars in their area.
He regarded the SRS as a proactive step that could help deter crimes, even before it could strike.
Meanwhile in his remarks, Kampung Cemerlang village committee chairman Johari Abang thanked the police for selecting his neighbourhood for the community policing programme.
“We also hope that the cooperation between the committee and the police would flourish, and also for more similar programmes to be conducted in the future,” he said.