by a DPVwatch patroller
“WatchCom, WatchCom, please come in for Delta-Victor-Two-Zero, Over.”
“Delta-Victor-Two-Zero Send.”
“Good Evening Watchcom, Delta-Victor-Two-Zero out on patrol.”
“Copy, be safe.”
Delta-Victor-Two-Zero (radio speak for DV20) is one of the regular DPVwatch patrollers. All DPVwatch patrollers have a radio that allows them to communicate directly with security service providers, SAPS and other DPVwatch members. While out on patrol, DV20 will monitor the radio and the DPV Incident WhatsApp groups for any postings of suspicious behaviour.
After an hour or two, DV20 checks the incident groups and notices that someone has posted suspicious activity in Bradwell Road. DV20 calls it in to WatchCom to tell them that suspicious behaviour has been reported.
“WatchCom, WatchCom. Please come in for DV20.”
“DV20 send.”
“Person reported tampering with car doors in Bradwell Road. En route.”
“Man wearing a black hoodie and backpack is looking under cars. He is trying car doors … There are two of them. The other man is also wearing a black hoodie and is carrying something long and narrow.”
As DV20 drives past the two suspicious men, he notices that one of the men is trying to jimmy open the car door. DV20 calls for backup from both WatchCom and SAPS. All other patrollers out at the time will also get the alert and be on standby. DPVwatch patrollers are eyes and ears.
One of the security service providers arrive on site. They ask the suspect to step away from the vehicle. While the security service providers are talking to the suspects, a post comes in on the WhatsApp group with street camera footage of the same two men, trying to open car doors in Yeoville Street. The one suspect is carrying a crowbar. SAPS arrives on scene and the two suspects are taken to the Police Station for profiling.
On many evenings, the patrollers drive through our neighbourhood. The streets are not at all quiet in the late hours. There are many strollers walking slowly through our neighbourhood looking for opportunities; the backpack left on the backseat of a car or a side gate to a yard left open.
Patrollers disrupt the opportunity for criminal activities. The more patrollers there are on our streets, the less opportunity there is for criminals.
Please reach out to patrols@dpvwatch.co.za to join a patrol. See y’all out there!
Image courtesy of Bruce Boyd Photography
