Neighbourhood watches get budget boost

THE City’s Safety and Security Directorate has announced that an additional R500 000 will be added to its set yearly Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) budget, put in place to support and uplift community-based crime prevention groups.

Over the weekend, the City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the additional funds would be added to the R2 685 000 already allocated to accredited neighbourhood watches to support their efforts to assist SAPS and law enforcement keep communities safe.

Smith said: “Neighbourhood watches are an integral part of our crime prevention strategy in communities. The watch members give up their time to make their neighbourhoods safer by being visible and deterring crime.

“We have more than 228 accredited NHWs around the City, with more than 6 871 members collectively. Equipment for the NHWs is muchneeded and will be an investment on our part.

“NHW teams need equipment such as hand radios and radio base stations for their watch rooms, reflective bibs, torches, bicycles, night vision equipment and jackets, among a growing list.

“Neighbourhood watches make an impact in their areas and help us and the police by raising the alarm on suspicious activities, identifying stolen property, doing home security surveys and adding to a sense of safety and responsibility,” said Smith.

Manenberg, Sherwood Park NHW chairperson Shahied Francis said: “Having the City support us like this is good, it’s in the best interest of the people and we are grateful for the support.

“Since they began supporting us we have noticed the difference, we are now able to do more. I just wish the City would consider budgeting for a stipend for our members as well.

“They have been selflessly working for their communities, especially during the pandemic when a lot happened. A little can go a long way and they deserve that kind of support as well,” said Francis.

Grassy Park’s New Horizon NHW treasurer Saadiqah Ganief said: “It’s great to hear the City is working to bolster its support for our community watches. The resources we receive go a long way in our efforts to create safer communities for everyone.

IN GUGULETHU over the weekend, several neighbourhood watch teams and other community stakeholders took to the streets in an anticrime initiative aimed at taking a hands-on approach to dealing with escalating crime. The teams visited several known crime hot spots and were accompanied by police and law enforcement authorities.