SUMMER JACOBS
The proposal to close down Parklands police station was a hot topic at the Community Police Forum (CPF) sector 2 meeting at CBC St John’s in Parklands last Wednesday, February 24.
Serving as a satellite station to the Table View police station, the station has come under review by provincial government and may be closing in 2017.
Sector 2 chairman, David Harris said taking away the station could result in an increase in crime.
“Even with a police station there there are undesirables but not to such a large extent as there would be without one. We can’t have resources reduced. We need an increase. We want either a new station or additional satellite stations in site 5 and even in Sunningdale,” said Mr Harris.
The meeting was attended by no more than 15 people.
Sector commander for Parklands, Warrant Officer Nick Knoetzen summarised the progress made by the police for the month of February.
Officer Knoetzen commended the neighbourhood watches and security companies in the area for working well together.
He said although there was only one house-breaking for the month, drug cases remained high with 24 arrests made since the beginning of the month.
He fingered Parklands main road and the Wood Drive circle as the main problem areas.
Kevin Jones from Community medics said they currently have two cars in service. Mr Jones said since starting the free emergency medical service in the community their call outs have increased from 20 to about 210 calls a day.
“A lot of calls are serious in nature such as drownings, heart attacks and strokes.
“We had a number of drowning cases on new year’s day,” said Mr Jones.
He encouraged people to sign up for a medical course that teaches one to perform CPR.
“Effective CPR means a better chance of resuscitation,” said Mr Jones.
There are nine instructors running the course with 24 participants a course. Each course lasts eight hours and participants are given certificates upon completion. The first course takes place on Saturday March 19. For more information you can email to kevinj@communitymedics.org.za or call Mr Jones on 083 446 0859.