The CPF (Community Policing Forum) held one of their first monthly meeting of the year on the 17th of January 2023, and the following feedback is shared:
CRIME STATS DECEMBER 2022 vs DECEMBER 2023
- Overall crime is down, in particular property break-ins.
- Stats for all area sectors are down except for Sector 3 (East Bank).
- Increase in vehicle break-ins.
- Marked increase in inspections of liquor and 2nd hand premises by SAPS.
NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES
- On the whole the crowd control was a lot more orderly, in comparison to previous years.
- The congestion at West Beach was eased by the re-opening of the Krantz area.
- CPF committee members distributed lunch packs, donated by SPAR, to SAPS officers on duty on New Year’s Day.
HOMELESS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
- There has been an increase in homeless people residing in dense vegetation in urban areas, these are mainly transient people, drifters moving along the coast.
- It was reiterated that it is important to report these homeless people as it usually leads to them moving on.
EAST BEACH SECURITY
- The presence of the Multi Security guard on the beach was consistent during the holiday period and will continue throughout the year.
- The use of a quad bike on the beach is proving problematic; a fat wheeled bike is noted as more practical.
- Beach signage is up at the main car park but more is required at the dune parking area.
- The Business Forum needs to profile this initiative to secure greater community investment.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM THE BOKSBURG DISASTER
- Discussion ensued regarding what our community should take cognisance of, should a similar accident occur in our area, particularly considering the high number of heavy duty trucks passing through Port Alfred, including many that transport highly inflammable loads.
- The next meeting will focus in more detail on this scenario, to confirm respective emergency numbers and to hopefully include input from entities such as the Traffic and Fire Departments, emergency services and the Stenden Disaster Management faculty.
PARRA is pleased to see that many situations from the previous year have improved and that it was generally a good festive season. What is imperative is that the community needs to get involved and proactively assist by reporting crimes and helping contribute towards these initiatives which keep our town safer. Well done to all those involved who helped ensure that we had a good and safer festive season. Please be sure to get hold of Multi Security or Sunshine Coast Tourism should you wish to contribute towards the East Beach guarding initiative.
