Sector policing meeting only attracts one person

AMEETING called by the Port Alfred Community Policing Forum (CPF) to involve residents of the East Bank in helping to set up a functioning sector policing unit, saw only one community member show up at the Port Alfred police station.

This came as a shock to CPF chairwoman Heather Leicher, who alongside other members had dropped at least 1 000 flyers in residents’ post boxes around town.

The aim of the CPF is to create an independent platform between the police and the community, where crime issues can be discussed, analysed and attended to.

While the West Bank has successfully established a sector policing unit, the East Bank – where crime is currently the highest – has struggled, leaving the area more vulnerable to criminals.

“People are apathetic,” Leicher said. “This is for their own safety. We are not asking people to drive around at night and patrol the area.

“We are simply asking for everyone to be alert, to be all eyes and ears at all times. We cannot create a dialogue without having people of the community present.

“Residents need to know their neighbours – it’s a matter of safety.”

Sector policing divides areas into different sectors. Within each of these sectors, police and MultiSecurity try to improve their response, with residents of each sector becoming involved by reporting suspicious activities.

“Despite Port Alfred being a small holiday-like town, there is a misconception that crime is minimal. People should become more aware, and less careless. Just because this isn’t Johannesburg doesn’t mean you can drop your guard,” Leicher said.

A crime analysis report shown during the meeting – reflecting both police and MultiSecurity stats – indicates that housebreaking has increased by 17% and theft was up by 8% in the last year.

In December alone, 91 phone calls were made reporting suspicious people or activities, with the police and MultiSecurity responding to all.

Due to community awareness, the reports showed that Port Alfred saw its “best December crime-wise” last year.

According to data formulated by the SAPS, criminal activities show a pattern: on average 23% of break-ins occur on a Thursday evening, 31% on a Friday and 29% on Saturdays.

Other days of the week are not without incident but reflect lower averages.

The date of the next meeting still has to be decided. For queries e-mail Leicher on