It is common to see neglected or hijacked buildings and vandalised infrastructure in our cities today. The impunity of these acts has a dire effect on quality of life for residents, from power disruptions to schools having to close due to being burglarised and cleaned out of essential equipment.
Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group Charnel Hattingh reminds residents that we all have a duty to protect our community assets and infrastructure, because in so doing we play a role in deterring criminals.
She reiterates the ‘Broken Window Syndrome’.
Formulated by criminologists James Wilson and George Kelling in the 1980s, it explains that visible signs of disinterest and deterioration can incite criminal behaviour. Essentially, the theory suggests that if one broken window is left unrepaired, soon all windows will be broken.
“Being disinterested in the goings on in your neighbourhood is not a good security trait,” Hattingh says. “Our parks, open spaces, schools, small businesses and places of worship are integral to a fulfilling community life. We should all show interest in their upkeep and safekeeping.”
She warns that the festive season often provides criminals with an even better opportunity to vandalise, steal and plunder local infrastructure because general maintenance is halted and schools close, etc.
“Criminals do all-day security monitoring of their own during holiday periods to identify their next target but many crimes are simply opportunistic.
“A good example is the vandalism and destruction of council infrastructure like street lights, meter boxes and traffic lights for the cable inside that can be sold for a buck or two. It’s a dangerous pastime and has cost criminals’ their lives, but the fact this infrastructure is so poorly protected plays in their favour.
“Schools, places of worship, sports facilities and public parks hold just as much loot in a criminal’s view. We’ve experienced this when a school opens a new computer centre or a park is enhanced with gym equipment, for example.”
Hattingh adds that there is also the very present danger of being attacked or mugged while jogging or cycling, which is why anyone using a public park must keep safety top of mind and know how to contact emergency response teams should they need to.
What helps to curb criminal activity in parks and at schools or churches is round-the-clock security surveillance in the form of patrols by private security officers and the SAPS and proper security solutions, such as CCTV surveillance installation.
Hattingh says the solution also requires partnerships – between private security, the police and the community.
“Crime is everyone’s problem. Law enforcement relies on the public to be its eyes and ears. The dissemination of information to the right agencies is so easy with social media today, which is why everyone can be a crime fighter.”
She also commends neighbourhoods that have strong community security systems in place, such as Whatsapp groups and active neighbourhood watch and Community Policing Forums.
“It is a pleasure to see so many suburbs taking their areas back in the form of regular clean-ups. At Fidelity we firmly believe that a cleaner city is a safer city.
“The basis of this is simple – if residents take an interest in their surroundings, they are most definitely also keeping a firm eye out for elements who don’t belong there, hence, criminals will move onto easier pickings.”
Hattingh concludes that residents must reclaim their safety and security through active citizenry and this includes being the watchdogs of public infrastructure and assets.
“Report any suspicious persons or activity to your private security company or the police for investigation. Let’s all help to make our suburbs a no-go zone for criminals by being vigilant and caring about the resources we have that give us that wonderful sense of community.”
