Community involvement and good relationships with one’s neighbours are important in the fight against crime.
With 28 years of experience in the security industry, Steven Nortje is in charge of the Bloemfontein area as Fidelity ADT’s branch manager.
With a passion to help others, Nortje says many people do not realise how important strong community relationships are when combatting crime.
“While the police and private security companies are tasked with fighting crime and keeping communities safe, it is imperative that residents are our eyes and ears,” he says.
Nortje says social media has enhanced the possibilities for communication and sharing tremendously. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to share information. Fighting crime is everyone’s problem and we all have a role to play in ensuring we tackle trends and other issues with a shared vision.”
He adds that knowledge is power in the fight against criminals who are becoming craftier by the day, and are always coming up with new means to infiltrate our lives and security systems.
“Important factors here are knowing your neighbours and being part of your suburb’s crime and safety alert WhatsApp groups. Also, adhere to warnings about trends from your private security provider or the police, and share these with friends and family.
“Lastly, report any suspicious persons or activity for investigation. Fidelity ADT’s control room never sleeps and this should be your first port of call in reporting criminal activities so that it can be escalated to our teams on the ground for swift investigation. Follow your instincts. If something does not feel or look right, it probably is not! Report it and we will check it out immediately.”
Nortje says the current trends in his operational area are house and business robberies, theft of gate motors, opportunistic petty crimes, and drug abuse.
