Please be aware that there have been numerous reports of attempts to abduct children from venues all over South Africa.

Take precautions and watch your and other people's children carefully, especially when at a place where there are lots of people and activities. 

People who want to abduct children will hang around shopping centres or sporting activities and look for an unattended child.  Children aged from 3 to 15 have been targetted.  Phone 10111 should you see any suspicious behaviour.  Shout to draw attention to anyone who may try to walk off with a child that is not their own.  Be aware that men and women of all races are involved in this dreadful crime.

IS CRIME BEING ADEQUATELY REPORTED?

There has been an increase in criminal activities in the Umhlanga area (and possibly in other areas north of the Umgeni).  Unfortunately, much of this crime is not reported to SAPS, and if it is reported, it is often not correctly recorded and does not appear on the statistics that are sent to Parliament.  As a result the police stations in Prestondale and Durban North are under-resourced.

You do not need to have anything stolen in order to report a crime.  If someone has gained, or tried to gain, entry to your garden or home, a criminal offence has been committed and you need to report this to SAPS.  SAPS will take a statement at your home and will sms you a CAS NUMBER and the name of the Investigating Officer who must come and visit the crime scene to establish if there are any clues and leads.  Even though this burglar may have been unsuccessful in your case, he will have undoubtedly committed a string of similar offences in the area. 

Les van Sittert, chairman of Sector Five Community Police Forum, invites any members of the community who have not received a CAS NUMBER or had a follow-up visit by detectives to contact him at info@umhlangacpf.co.za. 

He also appeals to the community to report all crimes and to register on the CPF website www.umhlangacpf.co.za and www.durbannorthcpf.co.za or to phone 031 5612513 or 0827750676.  

Voluntary Reservists essential in Durban North and Umhlanga

 Currently 46 trained reservists are assisting the Durban North Police Station by working voluntarily covering the area from the UmgeniRiver to Umdloti.  The reservists work in a variety of areas to alleviate the staff shortage faced at all Police Stations. 

Captain Mayaba, who is in charge of the reservists said simply, “we cannot do without their help.   Two of the reservists are currently unemployed and are working with the detectives during the week and doing really good work. 

“In fact, some of the reservists have applied to join the SAPS and we have endorsed their applications.”

Late in 2008 the Durban North CPF ran a drive to recruit people to work as volunteers.  The drive elicited a good response and after screening the candidates attended an 8 week training course and are now working a minimum of 16 hours a month to relieve the staff at the Durban North and Umhlanga Police Stations.

Haden Searles, Chairman of the CPF said, ”Over the festive season we were able to give these valuable people a small stipend for each shift they worked, however the funds have dried up and so now reservists are working voluntarily.”

“We appeal to the public of Durban North to assist by giving donations so that these motivated volunteers can be rewarded.  If the community donated as little as R100 a month, it would make an immense difference to these enthusiastic people who give their time so generously to help keep us safe.”

Your donation can be part of your Social Responsibility programme and an invoice is supplied for tax purposes.

Reservists who work in the Durban North and Umhlanga area were recruited and trained as a DurbanNorth CPF initiative.

Reservists on duty on Saturday 7^th March 2009 are pictured at the end of their shift:

Front row: Patrick Gronbeck and Yvonne Ngcobo

Middle row: Rob Thorn, Numvula Tshabalala, Capt. Beknown Mayaba, Thembekazi Ntengo, Happy Simelane

Back Row: Xolani Myaka, Carol van Tonder and Xolani Maseko.

For more information contact Haden Searles, Chairman of the Community Policing Forum on 072 796 3033