Bethesda Watch readies itself for the season
NIEU-BETHESDA — The Nieubethesda Watch is a community-driven neighbourhood watch that works hand in hand with the South African Police Service to keep a handle on crime in the village. While Nieu-bethesda is generally a peaceful, relatively crime free place, there has been a steady increase in mainly petty crime over the past few years and residents formed a group to curb criminal activity.
At a meeting held two weeks ago, committee members put plans into place for the holiday season - a time when an increase in visitors to the village can lead to an increase in crime.
At the inception of the neighbourhood watch about a year ago, a Whatsapp group was created which serves as a (fairly strict) emergency messenger for any suspicious or crime related activity that is noticed.
Residents then contact the police and immediately make themselves present in the streets by switching on lights, shining torches and generally creating a presence in the area. If someone is in need, the police and residents can also go to their aide.
Residents are also committed to random patrols at any given time, day or night.
These patrols are undertaken on foot, in vehicles, or even just from a darkened stoep, and any irregular activity is immediately reported and attended to.
There has been an incredibly positive result to the commitment of the Bethesda Watch which is an excellent example of a village working together for the betterment of the whole.