General crime update:
Between December 2023 and April 2024 Barrydale experienced a marked increase in crime, however since February 2024 and the establishment of the neighbourhood watch, along with successful arrests by SAPS as of May we have seen a drastic decrease in crime.
June 2024 there was an up-take in crime with the return of certain individuals and parolees, targeting restaurants and houses. These incidents have subsequently led to further arrests.
NHW patrols were admittedly relaxed between May and July, mostly due to the cold and wet weather, although patrollers did respond timeously to various incidents.
PEP stores was among the hardest hit, along with the Hotel and the Brewery. The Brewery and a residential house were both burgled twice within a few days. Incidents of trespass and petty theft mostly by a group of youngsters has increased since the return of one of the young instigators.
Lessons learned & the way forward:
Patrols and early morning stealth operations have a definitive effect in the reduction of crime and we will get back to those – patrollers enjoyed some respite after their tireless efforts.
Relationships with SAPS, local farmers, Law Enforcement, Social workers and other external forces were forged and we will continue to nurture them as we move forward. Patrollers attended some training sessions which included Search & Rescue, with further training scheduled toward the end of the year.
Equipment self-sponsored by active individuals include tac-vests, radios, self-defense equipment and other tools such as night vision binoculars.
Some basic tips:
From our experience we have learned that dogs are a fantastic deterrent as well as an “early warning system” for trouble.
Residential cameras are integral in identifying and tracking criminals post-crime.
Securing vulnerable areas of your property can help, along with the simple mind-set of not leaving valuables near open windows or in vehicles.
Close entrance gates and lock them if possible, as open gates are an “invitation” for easy access. If you can, put a bell or tin can with stones on your gates as the noise can alert you.
If you leave your home (even for short periods) and have been targeted before, inform your neighbours so they can be on alert – most house burglaries have occurred when the owner has just left to go to the shop, as they were watching (“casing” the property).
Don’t leave tools lying around your garden, and make sure your garage and shed doors are closed!
Motion-activated security lights also help to deter criminals and alert you of an intrusion. You can buy relatively cheap solar-powered lights on takealot.
Adding “No trespass” signs around your property will help you legally.
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