SILVERGLEN

SEVERAL years ago many residents of Silverglen, Chatsworth, fled their homes due to the increased crime, but now new and existing homeowners have a trusted community watch protecting their streets.

Residents were previously inundated with break-ins, carjackings and violent crimes, which necessitated forming Silverglen Selfhelp.

“The value of houses were plummeting, homeowners were fleeing, rape and murder were on the increase. We took a stand and started the crime prevention initiative in 2011,” said chairman Shaun Hammond, who added that Silverglen Selfhelp was his vision for a secure community.

The group later expanded to 18 active members, 28 radio operators and partnerships with SAPS and a local security company. Members range from housewives to professors, who assist with allocated tasks.

These include vehicle and foot patrolling, communicating through two-way radio and disaster management training.

“We are not your average community watch. We train our members to be above average and our aim is to eradicate crime,” said Hammond.

Silverglen is located on the outskirts of a nature reserve and, as a result, criminals could easily escape into bush.

Housewife Reshma Lukhun said she moved into her home 16 years ago and had thrice been the victim of crime.

The first two incidents involved petty theft when no one was at home. But the third incident, a few years ago, resulted in them fleeing.

“Intruders gained access on to the property and poisoned my dogs before holding me at gunpoint.” They moved out of the area for a year, but returned due to financial constraints.

“When we moved back, my sense of safety returned because Selfhelp was formed.”

She said there had not been any serious crime in the area for four years.

The Silverglen Nature Reserve, once regarded as dangerous, has now become a favourite spot for family gatherings and picnics.