PE EXPRESS | WEDNESDAY 6 JULY 2016
NEWS 3
Parson’s Ridge crime drops by massive 80% REPORTER CRIME has dropped by an incredible 80 percent in just four months in Parson’s Ridge, one of PEs newest residential suburbs. That’s according to Jennifer Deyzel, chairperson of the Parson’s Ridge Patrols (PRP), a Neighbourhood Watch-based organisation formed earlier this year to combat housebreakings and thefts from vehicles in the area. A significant portion of its funding comes from an unusual source: Port Elizabeth development company, Cohen Property Developments, which built most of the homes in the suburb. Asked by the local community for his assistance in establishing a local Neighbourhood Watch to combat crime, Cohen Property Developments MD Aaron Cohen’s response was simply to ask what they needed, said Deyzel. “He then went ahead and provided us with signage, vests and caps, reflectors, torches and selfdefence equipment all vital to the success of the PRP, which has grown from 12 to 32 patrollers since its inception.” Cohen, along with his brother, fellow director Stanley Cohen, says their interest in an area lasts beyond the sales. “The company, which built the first home in Parson’s Ridge and still owns it, is committed to protecting their buyers’
long-term investments,” he says. Originally a farm, Parson’s Ridge has been divided into 400 residential stands, 200 of which were bought and developed by Cohen Property Developments. The community works with the Kabega Park Police Station to “keep the bad elements out and the good ones in,” says Deyzel. There’s no doubt that the Parson’s Ridge Neighbourhood Watch is working, agrees Warrant Officer Egmond Potgieter of Kabega Park SAPS. “Housebreaking and theft out of motor vehicles are always a problem but with the help of the PRP which reports anything suspicious to us immediately, crime in this area is under control. The Neighbourhood Watch members are our eyes and ears.” The PRP works closely with Sector Commander Constable Paul Disenyane, meeting regularly with him to discuss crime-related issues. “The commitment and positive attitude of the Parson’s Ridge NHW are the contributing factors to their success,” says W/O Potgieter. “Patrols with marked NHW clothes and signage help from a visibility point of view, but people in their homes can also play a big role in preventing crime, by checking their neighbours’ houses, knowing each other’s phone numbers, arranging with neighbours to check your house when you are away, and phoning your neighbours if you notice anything suspicious,” he
Jennifer Deyzel (left) chairperson of Parsons Ridge Patrols with Aaron Cohen, MD of Cohen Property Develop ments. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
adds. Deyzel says the PRP focuses on three key areas, namely visible patrolling, educating residents on security and safety, and reporting crimes or suspicious activities to the police. “We’re not a vigilante group but rather a group of community-oriented residents who give of our time and money to keep our area and our homes safe,” she explains. Formed with a legally binding constitution, the PRP is a non-profit organisation that holds
monthly meetings with members, patrollers and the local SAPS and sends out a quarterly newsletter to residents. As a result of the success of the PRP, Cohen says they have decided to sponsor Neighbourhood Watches in every suburb they develop in order to leave a lasting legacy for residents. These include Pinelands near Lorraine, where they’re currently building 140 units, Fairview 250 units, Mt Pleasant - 274 units and Kamma Heights -10 units.
Boost for Bayworld Conitnued from page 1 The main feature of the event will be the Treasure Hunt in the Museum. This activity will encourage participants to read the displays to answer questions. Local company Magnetic Storm will provide special effects during the hunt with the
use of sound, lighting and audio-visual equipment. The funds generated at the event will be used to purchase a fireproof cabinet for the Museum’s Otolith Collection, which comprises more than 19 000 ear bones collected from marine life. Any additional funds will go towards the
maintenance of the Snake Park and the Museum. Night at the Museum will take place on Saturday, July 23, from 5pm to 10pm. Entry is R25. Children under the age of three may enter free. Tickets are available at Bayworld and at the Kids Emporium in the Baywest Mall.
. Friends of Bayworld is an annual membership at Bayworld which grants card holders free access to the Port Elizabeth Museum, the Oceanarium, Snake Park and the No 7 Castle Hill Museum. Last year they sponsored the refurbishment of the Penguin Enclosure. For more info, visit the Night at the Museum Facebook page.
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