Many projects are underway in Langebaan as the Langebaan Community Policing Forum has embarked on various initiatives.
Discussing what has been happening in the town and the initiatives, the CPF held a public meeting at the Thusong Hall in Langebaan on Tuesday 13 February.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss crime and safety in Langebaan as well as the progress the CPF, Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) and police have been making in the area.
Peter Lindenberg, chair of the Langebaan CPF, said the group had embarked on a few projects, with more to come this year. Among these was the renovation of the Langebaan Police Station, which received a new look with the help of various businesses who had come on board.
One of them, which the group was hoping to accomplish, was taking the Langebaan Clinic off the grid. An inverter and other amenities had already been installed, which was helping the project along. Another project the CPF tackled was the restoration of die Tolhuis, which Weslander reported on last year (Weslander, “Nuwe tuiste vir span”, Donderdag 3 Augustus 2023).
Lindenberg believes crime in Langebaan has been extremely low. “This last December it was less than in the past five Decembers. This is very good.
“We believe in putting things in place so the community can feel safe and comfortable. For example, we make sure people don’t go hungry, and we have a bed programme where we try to ensure everyone sleeps on a mattress. When people go to bed on a full stomach and get proper sleep the chances of crime are greatly reduced.”
Captain Kim Whitton, station commander of Langebaan police, also attended the meeting and highlighted the importance of partnerships among the NHW, police, the community and security companies, to name a few.
In her report Whitton spoke about specific crimes that had been on the increase in Langebaan, especially during the past festive season.
She said robbery cases saw a slight increase and were crimes of opportunity. “Even this slight increase in certain crimes in this category as a whole saw a decrease in the quarter. The biggest concern is the increase in fraud cases being reported.”
Whitton added the Langebaan police conduct awareness campaigns in the form of pamphlet distribution and information provided at various engagements regarding fraud.
“These types of awareness campaigns are ongoing. With regard to prevention of robberies, Langebaan police conduct high visibility patrols in the areas most affected by contact crime.”
Whitton said residents and visitors can assist in combating crime by being more vigilant. Further, social upliftment was stressed and starting at the core, which will make a difference.
