In a stroke of genius, Barrydale Artist Arthur Brigg was recently elected chairman of Barrydale Neighbourhood Watch.
His exceptional work can be viewed at several of Barrydale’s fine establishments, but this article is unfortunately not about his incredible art.
Crime on the Rise in small town Barrydale
In a town where everyone knows more or less everyone it is very easy to gauge that there has been a significant increase in house burglaries in the last six months.
Less than a year ago the most reported crime in town was Theft of Dagga Plants. It was a Trompie en die Boksembende scenario.
This has since escalated to a spate of burglaries and today the reality is that there are very few residents who have not fallen victim to crime at some juncture – albeit petty in many instances.
News62 can confirm that there are residents who, because of the spike in crime, are considering moving.
It has hit home everywhere and the News62 editorial team can report that we’ve been have been subjected to:
- 2 x House Burglary. First camera equipment was stolen and most recently regular News62 columnist Les Minter’s family was robbed of irreplaceable family heirlooms (and other valuable items things)
- 1 x Theft from vehicle (rear window smashed)
Earlier this year Barrydale residents were shocked to learn that Didi Stevens had been held at knife point in her home.
And while the increasing number of burglaries are by far more predominant than the serious crimes, we are reminded that on Thursday, March 28 the murder trial of 23-year-old Lionel Zembi continues.
The situation is dire, but Brigg and a growing collective of concerned Barrydalers know that crime prevention is not an impossible task.
More Eyes and Ears Needed
Brigg heads up a newly established AfriForum affiliated Neighbourhood Watch that aims to provide the extra eyes and ears the police need to curb crime.
While there is an increasing number of active patrollers, Barrydale Neighbourhood Watch also encourages residents to alert them to report potential criminal activity to their group.
For guidelines on how to correctly assist the Neighbourhood Watch and to become would like to become part of the solution Whataspp Brigg on 082 625 7178.
