Cape Town Central police station's community police forum (CPF) urged residents, businesses, and organisations to report incidents as soon as they happen to ensure a speedy response from the police.
Speaking during the monthly meeting on Thursday, May 7, CPF chairman Marc Truss said that the community is the eyes and ears of the police; they can report crime and assist their fellow humans.
"We are not saying go out and be the hero, but see whether you can assist and be present," he said.
Mr Truss also informed the meeting of a new modus operandi to steal from tourists.
They approach tourists to offer help, use a calculator, and pay points to scam them out of money.
"You may want to greet or just stand there, be present. They are non-confrontational, and they will walk away," he said.
The CPF provides monthly grocery vouchers to nominees, including police staff and civilians, for keeping the community safe and going beyond the call of duty.
Last week, station commander Brigadier Gerda van Niekerk thanked chief administration clerk Johmare Cornelissen for being "on top of things".
She also commended Warrant Officer Angela Fritz and Constable Austin Felix for their work in confiscating more than 1500 mandrax tablets and 20 packets of tik, as well as recovering ammunition in March.
Brigadier Van Niekerk said that Warrant Officer Fritz had received information from a source regarding a shipment of drugs in District Six.
She reported the information and effected a search of the premises.
"She mobilised, and together with Constable Felix, they were able to recover the drugs and ammunition. We are used to catching the users but not the suppliers. So, we congratulate them for their excellent work," she said.
Section commander for detectives Colonel Rajsingh Lutchman nominated detective Warrant Officer Nothukela Tsetsana, who secured two two-year direct imprisonment sentences in separate incidents of theft out of a motor vehicle, and another of housebreaking and theft within the same month.
Rapid Rail Police Unit’s Captain Corne Rabie nominated Sergeant Nerina Jaftha, who, on Saturday morning, April 11, while en route home after having finished a 12-hour night shift, was approached by an Intercape bus driver regarding a seven-month-old baby being left on the bus.
"She took the baby, did all of the necessary paperwork, and took all day to trace who the baby belongs to.
"The mother was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital, and the father to Philippi. The baby was placed with childcare services," he said.
Captain Rabie commended Sergeant Jaftha for spending another 12 hours at the station at her desk. "Going above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
Mr Truss also warned the community of being weary of opportunistic crimes, especially in winter, when people are managing with umbrellas, trying not to get wet, and holding their belongings in their hands.
Residents were urged to report crime immediately to the police, via the SAPS Mobile Application or use the City of Cape Town’s mobile application and the 021 480 7700 emergency number, rather than waiting for community meetings.
On the City's app, issues can be reported in 17 sub-categories, including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings, and poaching.