Port Alfred CPF appeals for volunteers

The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in conjunction with the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the two security companies did ongoing patrols across Port Alfred during December and January.

These visible patrols whether on foot, vehicle, horse or quad bike were highly effective in bringing crime and crimerelated incidents down. There were no incidents on the beaches and the horses and quad bikes performed admirably.

Nightly vehicle and foot patrols in both the East and West Bank regularly encountered people out of place and time and told them to head home.

It was noticeable that criminals often tried their luck after the CPF patrols had gone home. This is where the security companies could then reinforce the law.

We were able to get two police horses from East London. Permanently stationing a member at West Beach to control alcohol consumption in public and prevent drinking and driving was successful. Future projects include an ongoing awareness programme to educate the public about ATM scammers.

Members attending our monthly meetings hear about safety and security issues from reps of the two security companies and members of the CPF.

We will continue to inform the public about new safety items made available by Sky and Multi.

Anyone interested in installing a camera system should contact the security company and ask that their cameras get linked to the control room.

In the event of a trespasser entering a no-go zone, an alarm is activated on the screen in the respective control room, allowing a patrol to be sent to the scene much quicker. The alarm can also be sent to your cellphone but neither you nor I want to apprehend a trespasser.

An appeal from our chair is that we try to get more members of the public involved in patrolling: this will allow shorter patrols. Instead of a three- or four-hour shift, volunteers would only have to give up two or three hours.

Patrollers go out in pairs: they are not a vigilante force, rather they are eyes in the dark while residents sleep. It does not matter how old one is or what gender you are and we do not physically confront anyone. Anyone interested in joining the patroller group on the East Bank or West Bank can contact the coordinators below. Our areas need you.

Community policing forums (CPFs) bring the police and community together, assisting in bridging the gap between the public and the police to solve problems and challenges of crime.

CPF contacts in Port Alfred: Justin 074-117-2809; Jane le Roux 083-327-3016; Mike Hoskin 072-441-7896; Alec McKerrow 082-878-3203.