Anti-crime programme launched

[caption id="attachment_104314" align="alignright" width="300"] SHOW OF STRENGTH: Police members take part in the anti-crime parade. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE[/caption]

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality took a major step in creating a safer inner city yesterday when it launched its multimillon-rand anticrime programme.

Its introduction also provided an opportunity for a show of force.

That comprised a procession led by two marching bands and consisting of the various security services from SAPS and the municipality, 62 Metro Security foot-patrol officers, several vehicle patrol units and a specially trained canine unit.

It made its way from the Donkin Reserve to Parliament and Rink streets, before heading down Western and Whites roads to Vuyisile Mini Square and the City Hall.

The programme will receive about R8-million a year over the next three years.

The K9 unit will consist of eight specially trained dogs along with skilled rangers in a drive to stamp out any suspicious activities.

The security programme aims to consolidate and integrate resources and assets between the SA Police Service, community policing forums, NGOs, the municipality and the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) for a sustained plan for the metro.

After the parade, members were met by mayor Danny Jordaan and other VIP guests for the main event in front of the City Hall.

Jordaan was adamant that the metro was not only talking tough, but acting to clamp down on crime in an effort to create a safer city for all residents, property owners and businesses in the area.

“No longer will we tolerate criminals, gangsters, drug dealers and non-compliance with by-laws,” Jordaan said.

-Amir Chetty