RICHMOND Hill residents recently launched a community initiative to use whistles to combat crime in the area.
The initiative was sparked by local resident, Eva Wagner, after falling victim to a robbery in the area.
The whistles are said to show criminals that the community is working together to reduce crime in the area.
Wagner said that although Richmond Hill is a very low crime area compared to other areas in Port Elizabeth, petty crime is usually on top of the list.
“When I was robbed of my cellphone at a restaurant in the area a while back, I ran after the person, but failed to catch him. At that moment I realised that blowing a whistle to alert others might have helped.
“That was how I got the idea to start this initiative,” Wagner said.
A total of 240 whistles were donated by Duncan Stewart, as well as 25 lanyards from Special Rates Area (SRA) committee member, Janine Thatcher. The whistles were distributed at an SRA meeting and more than 100 whistles were handed out.
Wagner added, “Not only are we trying to come together as a community to combat crime, but we also want to improve tourism in Richmond Hill.
“We have a number of guest lodges in the area and want the whistles to be given to guests as well.”
Wagner explained that if residents are subject to, or witness to a crime, to blow the whistle. She highlighted the following steps when hearing the distress signal of a whistle blowing:
- Go outside and also blow your whistle;
- Report the whistle blowing on the 1ARH WhatsApp group;
- Call the police if necessary;
- Take photos of any perpetrators that may run past you;
- Take photos of any vehicles that may be used as getaway cars.
Wagner added that residents and tourists should always carry their whistles as an important “fashion accessory”.
“Respond and give as much support as possible when you hear a whistle blown.
“If the blowing of the whistle is abused (i.e by children), approach them and explain the concept to them – that it is the same as crying for help or an alarm,” she said.
