HONEYDEW CRIME OVERVIEW, JULY 2008

A word from your Chairman

July 2008

Dear Honeydew resident

In the last few weeks there have been a number of important events in the life of the CPF. The first being the annual AGM and secondly, the release of the annual crime statistics.

The CPF will continue to function and the previous committee have agreed to continue in their roles along with a number of new faces.

However, the release by the SAPS of the annual crime statistics for the last financial year made for sobering reading. Whilst in many categories, crime is down, violent crime has seen an increase. On a very sombre note, Honeydew has come in at very unenviable rankings for house robbery, business robbery and attempted murder.
Please see the SAPS or Honeydew websites for a full breakdown of the stats.

Whilst I know that whilst Honeydew police station is not at full strength when it comes to staffing issues and that they doing their best with what resources they have, we need to hold them accountable for the job they have been mandated to do. Many good arrests have been made by the detectives in the past months but this does not make up for the very high crime incidents that Honeydew experiences. Visible policing remains a huge problem and this needs serious addressing.

In the last two weeks I was asked to attend a meeting with the MEC for Safety and Security in which they spelt out their concern at the high levels of violent crime in Gauteng and their plans around bringing these high levels down. The plan involves the Dept. of Safety and Security, SAPS, JMPD, and the community. Whilst I can not divulge the finer workings of the plan, I must stress that you will see a higher police visibility in Honeydew and that at times you will be inconvenienced in your daily routine. It is to be business unusual in the fight against crime.

A second meeting I attended was with the Minister for Safety and Security. He understands our concerns at feeling vulnerable and unsafe and assured us he will do everything he can to bring crime down. Of course this is little comfort for those who have been held up at gun point in ones home, where one is supposed to be safe. We need not even start on those that have lost loved ones.

Honeydew has a crime problem. So what are we going to do about it? We can point fingers but that is not going to help.

It is going to take the involvement of every resident in Honeydew to make a difference. The CPF has a number of plans and we are going to need your help.
Please start by joining your neighbourhood watch/resident association, who in turn “report” into the sector crime committee. At these meetings crime in your sector is discussed and operations are planned. I implore you to get onto the mailing list from the CPF office albeit via the sector committee. These mails can be invaluable in keeping you safe. We are going to start having joint operations in each sector with the above mentioned role players including the security companies that are active in the area along with the residents. You will see an increase in crime prevention operations.

But this does not release you from doing the basic crime prevention at home. Many house robberies occur as doors are opened to strangers or gates are not locked. I visit many crime scenes only to find that there was no forced entry into the home. This frustrates both the SAPS and the CPF. We send our regular crime prevention tips and yet what we warn against, still happens!

Help us to help you. Is your road sign posted and is your house number visible?

In the months ahead, we are going on a recruitment drive to increase the number of reservists in the Honeydew area. A large number are presently in training and will be hitting the streets in a couple of months. They will largely be used to patrol their own suburbs and sector. Please think about joining up. If you do not feel “active” duty is for you, help us by assisting in amongst other places, the client service centre. Please contact Supt. Van Rooyen at Honeydew for more information – 011 801 8400.

To further enhance policing in Honeydew we are looking to place an additional police car in each sector. We have four sectors in Honeydew. Promises of two cars have been received and donated monies for a third. My challenge to business in Honeydew is to assist us in raising a fourth car.

Finally, we as a CPF need to look at fundraising in the coming year. To keep the crime brief coming, keep the operations room running and to support the SAPS in their efforts we will need your help. Our aim is to raise R 1 million in this financial year. If we could get only one rand from each resident in the precinct, our job is done. Please help us to help you.

To make Honeydew a safer place for all who live and work in the area, it is going to take a concerted effort from all. We are here to stay and so I challenge you to stand up and make a difference, no matter how small.

To assist you in making that difference, please send me any information you may have around crime in your area. Be it suspicious cars, possible drug dealers or anything else you may feel is relevant. Please be as specific as possible. I will ensure the information is acted on. Chairman@honeydewcpf.org.za.

The time for talk is over and together we will make a difference.

John Baisley
Chairman Honeydew CPF

A word from your Chairman

May 2008

Dear Honeydew Resident

I write to you today after seeing the many disturbing articles in the Northside Chronicle relaying a number of crime related incidents that occurred over the previous week since the last edition.

Yes, they are disturbing as they are close to home. I attended many of the incidents and know a lot of the pain, trauma and anguish that was experienced by many residents of the area. We know we should not have to deal with these type of incidents and realistically the SAPS should have made far greater strides against crime over the past years.

In the foreseeable future the SAPS will alone not get the crime situation under control. They need you and me to take a stand against crime and actively get involved in the war on crime and it is a war. I know the hurt and trauma around hijackings and home invasions, especially where children are involved. We are dealing with callous cowards that have no regard for life.

But I do not believe all is lost. We can make a difference in our neighbourhoods and one in our country.
We can point fingers at the police, government and local council but that will not change things. We can complain and write letters but until one actually decides to stand up and say enough is enough and take action, things will not change.

I sometimes wonder if those that shout the loudest are not the ones that drive and talk on cell phones, ride in the emergency lane or break other by-laws. We continually hear about the lawlessness in South Africa but if we all started to respect all laws, what a difference it would make.

I hear you say, yes all well, but what can I do? Crime prevention starts at home. Do the basic crime prevention. Lock security gates, ensure you are not being followed and know your neighbour. I am always amazed when I get to a home robbery to find out that the suspects just walked in and there was no forced entry. Crime is real and it can happen to you. Do not be naïve and think you are one of those that will not be affected.

Then mobilise the neighbourhood, starting with your street. Many folk do not know who their neighbours are. Start a block watch/neighbourhood watch/residents' association. We have many very successful associations in Honeydew that have very few crime related incidents and in some cases nil. Only because ordinary residents decided to take back their streets and make their neighbourhood safer. You also need to get involved. Making a monthly financial contribution and then stepping back does not help. Cheque book security is not good enough.

Many areas have residents that patrol, others booms and some others a dedicated security company that actively patrols. Many security companies are reactive and only come after the event. Any form of visible crime prevention works. Criminals are cowards and will go elsewhere if they think they will be seen.

Make your security company accountable for the crime in your area. This is one time that putting your eggs in once basket works. Have a dedicated company look after your area.

The CPF has a monthly meeting where amongst others SAPS, JMPD, local councillors, home affairs and many chairman of associations are present. This is an open meeting and all in Honeydew may attend. Crime statistics are shared along with ideas on how to fight crime. Please join us and also get regular email advices of crime hot spots etc along with notification of our meetings by getting onto the CPF mailing list. You can do this be sending a mail to info@honeydewcpf.org.za.
Forewarned is forearmed.

You can also visit us at www.honeydewcpf.org.za.

We will make Honeydew a safer place for all that live and work here.

Finally, I am again asking for folk that wish to help with both victim support and trauma counselling. Everyone that has experienced a traumatic crime incident in Honeydew knows the value of the volunteers but we need more folk to help share the load. Please contact the CPF office on 011 801 8406 if you wish to help us.

Together we will make a difference.

John Baisley
Chairman Honeydew CPF

A word from your Chairman

March 2008

Dear Honeydew resident

I wish this month to thank the many residents that have in some way taken the time to support the CPF in their efforts in the partnership with the SAPS in the fight against crime.

Over the past few weeks we have seen a marked increase in the donations being received by private individuals, resident associations and businesses.

One area that needs a special mention is the large donation received from the pupils and parents of Trinity School. They wished to make a difference in the fight against crime by not only staging the recent march, but wanting to do something practical and long lasting. The monies raised will go largely to a sector police vehicle to only be used in that sector and a smaller portion of the funds to keep the trauma unit functioning.

Our trauma unit has become an integral part of the CPF/SAPS and Honeydew area. Many folk have got to know the value the volunteers of the trauma unit add and how indispensable they are after a traumatic event. We have had folk come forward to volunteer their time as the trauma unit is stretched thin and all the members are volunteers.

Furthermore, I also requested we look at extra sector cars. I have had two sponsors come forward and so three cars will be hitting the streets soon. But we still need one more for our fourth sector.

I addition we have a sponsor for sign boards that will start going up listing the sector you live in and the sector cell phone number. Finally, thanks also to the sponsor that will be equipping the patrol members in Zandspruit.

The names of these sponsors will be made known shortly and I would request that you support them as they are prepared to put back into the community.

Various other initiatives are under way but to make these a reality we need your help. Please support us so we can help in achieving our vision of making Honeydew a safer place for all.

Over the last few weeks I have attended many meetings where residents have decided to do something about crime in their area as they or a neighbour have been affected by crime. Please do not wait for something to happen before taking a stand. We can beat the scourge but it takes time and effort and once an area takes a stand, a difference can be made. Also start with the little things. Keep your area neat and tidy, cut the grass, take down illegal advertising boards and have lights fixed. One speaks about the “broken window” approach but how about living it?

Together we will make a difference.

John Baisley
Chairman Honeydew CPF

A word from your Chairman

February 2008

Dear Honeydew resident

I write to you in the same week that we lost another incident life to crime. A young child gunned down during yet another crime incident. Words can not begin to describe to feelings and emotions that are still being experienced by family, friends, acquaintances and school friends. A young life lost seems to have more significance in the highlighting of the scourge that so many of us experience everyday. We can not let such incidences be forgotten.

At this time our thought and prayers go out to the families involved in this senseless act of violence.

Honeydew will not let this life (and others) go unnoticed and plans are afoot to make these lives count. Plans will be made known as to what is planned once all the role players have been consulted.

How does another life lost make you feel? Have you ever tries to make a difference in the fight against crime?
Whilst I believe the SAPS are doing their best, they will not get crime under control in the near future. This leaves us with a big gap in our security. Alone, you and I can not make a difference. But together we have the resources and support to make a big difference in our neighborhoods. The time to act is long gone but again, we can make a start now that will be felt for time to come. Do not hide behind your big walls and feel you are no longer a potential crime victim. That is a very naïve approach. Tough words but when lives are being lost, young at that, actions need to speak louder than words.

Let us not have to continue burying anyone due to crime and let us take a stronger stand against these cowards that have lowered our standard of life.

Together we will make a difference.

John Baisley
Chairman Honeydew CPF

How about helping out with this...........

Having been accused of complaining and doing nothing for the community - I have committed myself to helping out the children of the Informal Settlement. Starting with Happy Kids play school run by Caroline Mahlangu - she has 50 children. Caroline rents 2 rooms and has 2 helpers at this school. The kids are charged R190 per month - however there are 12 children that are not able to pay this fee - and Caroline subsidises them. Included in this fee - the kids get breakfast and lunch - no protein included in the meals.

3 Tables and 12 Chairs are shared when its time to read or write or colour in. They share 3 pairs of scissors. An A4 page is shared to write or colour in. Their tiny fingers battle to hold the crayons that are so small its near impossible to work with. Finger painting is just a wish - no water colours to do this with. An afternoon nap is on the floor - thankfully with blankets kindly donated.

8 Babies also sleep on the floor - and they should be in cots. The playground equipment is in desperate need of repairs and maintenance. The building could do with a lick of paint.

If you have kids old school books that have unused pages in them - please tear them out. A4, A3 lined or blank - all welcome.

Kids love to have new crayons at the beginning of each year - if you have some oldies lying around we will sharpen them, clean them up and make them useful. Any water colour paint.

Any paint you may have - acrylic or water based.

Playground equipment - swings, slides, climbing frames, puzzles, games, balls, sports equipment.

We would like to start a "Jumble Joint" - any old clothes that you may want to donate - we will clean them up - repair them and sell them to assist with the running of the school.

I am looking at other "care centers" in the settlement and we would like to help them too.

What about Re-cycling? Getting the community involved with helping the environment and themselves.

As an additional exercise we have held meetings with the hawkers. They are quite happy to move to a central trading point. The possibility of setting up something temporary with gum poles and corrugated roofing was met with great enthusiasm. Hawkers would be charged a minimal rental and this money would then be used to put back into the community.

There are 120 hawkers and the community would ensure that the hawkers are off the road. If you are able to assist in this regard - we would be most grateful. Obviously your company would have full right to advertising and of course exposure in the press.

We are also looking at setting up a recreational area - a soccer field, play park This may take some time as we need to find land and get approval from the land owner.

All of this would be temporary as we wait for the Government to provide RDP houses for these people and for the Roads to be sorted in March next year.

If you are able to assist in any way please drop me a line - kimhobson@mweb.co.za

Perhaps you could help by forwarding to your contacts and maybe they could help.

Look forward to a positive response - a Business Forum Initiative - Not politically motivated.

Regards
Kim Hobson