Community policing reducing crime

Taman Gasing Indah residents patrolling the neighbourhood on bicycles at night.

KUALA LUMPUR: While it is fair for the public to expect the police to keep the streets safe, the people also have a role to play in fighting crime.

Besides being extra eyes and ears for the men in blue, neighbourhood watches by residents associations and other communities are an effective way of boosting public safety.

Constable Abshar Aziz (right) and Constable Mohd Asuar Rejab from Brickfields police motorcycle patrol unit chatting with a resident during their rounds in Bangsar.

Seng Tack Soon, 44, a businessman, is Rukun Tetangga chairman for Taman Sungai Besi, a neighbourhood comprising about 30,000 residents.

Several years ago, the residents were plagued by robberies, snatch thefts, burglaries and other crimes. They felt anything but safe, even in their own homes.

“But since we started our patrols in 2010, the frequency of these crimes has gone down,” Seng said.    Read more ......