Watch leads anti-crime march

Pastor Brian Preston

An anti-crime awareness march was held in Brooklyn on Saturday to encourage a “despondent community” to speak out against crime.

Organised by the Brooklyn Ysterplaat Neighbourhood Watch (BYNW), the march was supported by SAPS, law enforcement, the ward councillor and about 50 residents.

The march started at Focus College and moved through problem streets such as Koeberg Road, Sheridan Street, Justin Street and Kings Road among others.

Pastor Brian Preston, who has been doing outreach services in the community for years, said drugs and prostitution were two major problems in the area.

“When people keep silent, evil prevails. There is also terrorism in our community because people are living in fear,” said Pastor Preston.

A giant banner urging the community to “join the march against crime”, was carried by BYNW members at the front of the march.

Children in the procession chanted “no more drugs”, prompting some people to come out of their homes to see what was happening.

Brooklyn resident Christina Suzuki said:”The community is despondent. They say cops do nothing. But where are they when you need them?

“We must know who our neighbours are and expose those involved in illegal activities.”

BYNW member Peter Landsberg said although they had expected more people to take part he was grateful to those who had.