GEORGE NEWS - George residents should know that our police, neighbourhood watch structures and security companies are ready and able to protect our town in the event of looting and uprisings similar to those that caused mayhem in other parts of the country in the past week.
Various neighbourhood watches in George and surrounds, the George Community Police Forum (CPF), security companies and local police took to the streets on Friday evening, 16 July, in a show of force aimed at fighting crime and warning off potential criminals.
In the final count, 57 vehicles and 120 individuals took part in the mass patrol from 19:00 until 21:00.
"The plan was to showcase the force George is capable of, and this was achieved with great success," says George CPF chairman Rupert Pretorius.
"Many people came out of their homes to greet and cheer, while others ran for cover. We definitely made an impact. This is not the first patrol of its kind in George and will definitely not be the last."
After the mass patrol, normal patrols continued with vehicle checkpoints in hotspots. Fines were issued for breaking curfew regulations, while police and neighbourhood watch members cleared areas of suspicious people.
Arnold Boshoff, CEO of Seal Security - no stranger to community safety and patrols - says it was once again a great privilege to be part of the mass patrol organised by the CPF and local police.
"It is essential to us that George is a safe haven for residents and visitors and we will do everything in our power to protect our beautiful town and its people," he says.
Chairman of Blanco Neighbourhood Watch Deon van der Rijst says it was comforting to see the various role players from communities within George standing together to secure and protect the area.
"We can achieve so much more when we work together. We thank each and everyone who took part, as well as those who supported the initiative. I urge all men and women to join their neighbourhood watches to assist crime-fighting in George," he says.
To join a neighbourhood watch, future mass patrols and the CPF, or to assist in any way, contact Rupert Pretorius on 082 822 1870.
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