There was particularly good participation at the CPF meeting last night, with representation from SAPS, all security companies active in our areas, our ward Councillor, and residents of Buccleuch, Kelvin, Linbro and Wendywood,

Minutes wil be distributed as soon as they are available but in the interim here are key points:

CURRENT SITUATION

1. Our sector is under siege, especially from house robbers. 
2. Expect an escalation of crime at month end so take special care with security.
3. Sabre Security is aware of a crime syndicate that is using the highway to access Buccleuch and get away in high powered cars. 
4. SAPS and the security companies are running operations in our areas to apprehend the criminals.
5. SAPS has police operations scheduled for today and over the weekend.
6. SAPS and unmarked vehicles operating in our sector.
7. Sabre has one visible car, and 6 undercover operatives in Buccleuch and Kelvin
8. There is an undercover police unit targeting drug dealers. The situation near the Bridge Shopping Centre has improved.
9. The Police Reservist programme is on hold but SAPS is hoping for clarity from the National SAPS soon.

MAIN CRIME INCIDENTS

The police are not allowed to share crime statistics, but the meeting discussed specific incidents, addresses and trends.

1. A sharp escalation in house robberies in Buccleuch and Kelvin, most with the residents present.
2. Two hijackings in Gibson and Bramley.
3. One business robbery
4. Take care on the Buccleuch interchange and the Marlboro offramp. These are current hotspots.
5. Never let unknown people onto your property. In one incident the perpetrators asked for water as 'their car had broken down'.

EMERGENCIES

1. Immediately call your security company
2. Immediately call the SAPS roaming vehicle attached to our sector on 071 675 6106 or 6107
3. If no luck call the Sandton Police Station on 011 722 4200

SECURITY GATES AND DOORS

1. Most house robberies occurred with the residents present.
2. Access gained by forcing driveway gates off their tracks and entering through open doors.
3. Recommendation:
   • Weld a steel rod onto your driveway gate that goes into a hole in the gate post. This prevents the gate from being lifted off its tracks.
   • Keep security doors locked when home.
   • Switch on security beams when home.

SQUATTERS, LOITERERS & VACANT OR ABANDONED PROPERTIES

1. Report squatters and loiterers to the police and the JMPD (and keep your security company aware)
2. SAPS have limited rights to disperse loiterers but will respond and will check fingerprints.
3. Some residents have been found to be encourage and feeding squatters or loiterers. Don't.
4. Inform THE CPF of empty, vacant OR abandoned properties.

DOMESTIC HELP

1. SAPS encouraged residents to profile their helpers, take photos, get copies of ID documentation, and even take new helpers to the police station to get clearance. 
2. Strong recommendation from SAPS and the CPF to enrol helpers in the MAD (Making A Difference) Domestic Watch programme (contact Penny Steyn: madpenny@absamail.co.za or 082 461 6968)

ROBBERIES AND FINGERPRINTS

1. Captain Semenya of SAPS urged residents to demand that fingerprints be taken if they are robbed.
2. Remember that you will need to be present when the fingerprint team comes to your premises.

NORMAL SECURITY MEASURES

1. Get to know your neighbours - for example if your neighbours know you are not expecting visitors they can call security if they see activity on your property
2. Work with your resident's association
3. Keep your suburb tidy and clean. There is evidence that criminals are attracted to unkempt suburbs.
4. Report all crime. Police resources are allocated based on the crime that is reported in each area.