KUCHING: Police should help the people set up crime watch groups in housing estates to curb crime.
PKR Women national vice president Voon Shiak Ni said the crime watch modus operandi via group chat and WhatsApp had proven to be very effective as it facilitated speedy communication among neighbours.
Voon said she was aware that a number of places here and in Padawan had crime watch group chats, but the police had yet to make their presence felt, and they should do so to bolster community support for crime prevention.
“In addition, most Neighbourhood Watch Committees that have been in existence are almost dormant in their advisory role on crime prevention,” she said in a statement yesterday in support of Kuching District Police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad’s reminder to the public to take precautions against crime.
“As what Roslan Bek said, we need to inform neighbours when we are not at home and to keep the lights on. We (PKR Women) view this as positive advice, but it also takes an active crime watch modus operandi to monitor and prevent crimes.
“We suggest that the police encourage the setting-up of crime watch teams in neighbourhoods, and to let the public know how police can lend their support.”
Voon, who is also PKR Stampin vice chairperson, said while she agreed with Roslan that it was impossible to leave crime prevention totally to police alone, the people also needed to be given support and advice on ways to protect themselves.
“We will also play our roles in helping the society to curb crimes by going around residential estates to encourage the
setting-up of crime watch groups in areas around Kuching and Padawan, and we hope to get the police to come in when necessary.”
Voon said PKR viewed the issue of crime prevention seriously as crimes had been happening in the homes of the people. She cited an example of a couple being tied up in their house by burglars at Mile 7 about two weeks ago.
“I wish to quote again the exemplary example of the good cooperation between the Urat Mata Crime Watch group and police that had led to the successful nabbing of suspected burglars before the same crime could happen again in their neighbourhood.”-Borneo Post
Post a Comment