The Gordon’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch (GBNW) is now officially accredited to the provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.
The watch received its official accreditation certificate a few weeks ago, which gives the organisation the opportunity to work closer with the police in bid to fight crime more effectively.
Steve Paul, acting chairperson at GBNW, explained the accreditation basically means the neighbourhood watch has been vetted by authorities.
“Police clearance has been done on all our members,” he said. “Now we can work hand-in-hand with the police when it comes to special operations such as road blocks.”
From humble beginnings in 2013, the GBNW has grown into a community crime-fighting structure to be reckoned with.
Currently it covers the entire seaside community, from the service station at Aqua Mall in Gordon’s Bay Road all the way to Grille Shack restaurant on Clarence Drive, and back up to the N2 in Firlands.
Paul added this also includes Temperance Town.
The watch has just gone through a major change and now has a new executive committee that is focused on making the watch one of the best in the province.
But it is not all sunshine and roses, as GBNW needs financial assistance from the community and surrounding businesses.
Paul explained the watch is a registered non-profit organisation. “All our time patrolling and assisting the community is done at our own cost,” he pointed out.
“This means we can receive funding and training from department. However, we currently need Icasa approved two-way-radios, branded jackets, torches and decals for our cars. We also need sponsorships for petrol.”
The watch’s website is being developed; as soon as it is up and running, application forms can be accessed.
“But for now if anyone wants to join the GBNW or donate can send an email to admin@gbnw.co.za.”
