Community Comes Together
Gem Village, a retirement security complex for old soldiers in Irene,can now be used as an example of a successful crime fighting community.
After Rekord reported on criminals targeting Gem Village earlier this year by stealing several vehicles out of the complex, various businesses and crime fighting organisations took hands to help the pensioners.
It was Louise Taljaard from the Vehicle Association of South Africa and Heila Calitz, marketing and communications director of the Centrion Security Forum, who responded to the article in Rekord.
They recently co-ordinated the launch of a new security programme to combat crime in the village.
Brigadier Andre Wiese, station commander of the Brooklyn police station, was at the launch.
"You are vunerable," he said to the residents of the village.
"That is why we as community must look after senior citizens and make sure they are protected."
Vehicles belonging to the pensioners received alarms and immobilisers sponsored by Haytron Investments, Foxguard Electronics, PFK Electronics and Sanji Security systems.
Datadot sponsored microdots to mark all house items of the residents.
The Independent Car Radio and Carlock centre sponsored vehicle security products and Diamond Lock International and Grip Tech sponsored the mechanical gear-locks.
The Centurian golf Estates printed safety tips and Impact Kitchens will refurbish cupboards of the general kitchen in the village.
Residents will even be taught self defence, courtesy of Unit 14 security that sponsored self-defence classes.Abavikeli Security services and Monitor net will provide security, while Fleetcall and global communications helped residents with two-way radio to keep in contact.
