One of the things we were worried about when we started this project - was that the amount of crime being reported could actually just serve to depress us all.
Crime is ugly and depressing in nature and not a nice topic, but when something is happening so frequently and so violently, it's no wonder it becomes the first topic of conversation at any braai or social occasion.
But getting together and just focussing on the negativity of crime is kind of like getting together and just moaning about our broken down cars, but not trying to fix them. If something is broken, just complaining about it won't get it fixed. We need to start finding solutions together for the crime and get involved.
The police services are ill equipped and under heavy pressure, and by being more crime aware and vigilant for ourselves and others, we can start making ourselves less of a target and make it harder for criminals.
So it's not about being negative about the crime, its about being positive about our country.
We are all so different and varied in South Africa, but we are one heck of a beautiful country - the people and the land itself. But crime is making us negative and less open hearted to our fellow South Africans.
Criminals do NOT define the profile of the people in South Africa - they are a small minority causing a huge problem. And we are letting them do it if we just sit back and complain about it.
The one common thing that brings people together is a unified cause. Like fighting the oppression of apartheid brought people together.
Well people, lets get positive, we have a common challenge, use crime and other issues of the country to bring us together.
Lets be positive about one another and about ending the crime. It can be done.
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I wish I thought of the idea for this website first :(
ReplyDeleteI would have allowed criminals to log in and delete the posted crimes for a subscription fee :P
I'm just kidding, but nice site. :)
Well done!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see all the CAPs assisting in providing data...
Keep on
Hello Webmaster
ReplyDeleteSorry, I just don't understand WHAT you intend to achieve with this site and or blog. I mean your headings and slogans etc. like this:"Sign up today and participate in making your neighbourhood a safer place to be. Awareness is the key to safety!" ...Being aware is NOT going to make you or your neighbourhood any safer.
Yes, its nice that you want to do something, but come on, there's nothing you can really do, accept either sit and wait till it hits you, or just pack-up and go.
I have been a victim of armed robbery, was shot 3 times and left for dead. Lukily I survived. The following year and a half after that, I remained "positive" just like you. However, during the last 6 month i have changed my opinion and outlook about this country very much.
Inform yourself CORRECTLY about the real crime-stats. Media in this country is NOT free to publish everything that's happening. Besides, it's getting boring to read how many people were killed last night in todays papers. But there are a few websites and blogs were people talk about this (even reporters), and it's shocking and discusting to see this. Sorry, can't put up links here, just do a bit of 'searching'.
If you think "the criminals are just a small minority..." you are very wrong. And don't believe the nonsense that crime is decreasing either. Look around you man.
If your police force can't deal with it, what do you want to do? I am gatvol of paying anymore taxes for such monkeys.
On the otherhand, beeing too aware of all the sh.. might give you nightmares (literally).
So keep on dreaming and as per usual; blame it on apartheit. Just don't forget that decent people (black or white) didn't have such problems then. Idiot!
Thanks Toolman. So what is your answer to the crime? What do you personally think we can do to make our country safer?
ReplyDelete@Toolman: no country in the world needs people with your attitude. Please go away and be cynical somewhere else.
ReplyDelete@CrimeAware: Thanks for the initiative. I really hope it grows. People can choose to use the service or not. If they're sensitive about crime news and end up having sleepless nights, they're free to stop their notifications. For the rest of us, the information about crime in your area might just be the wake-up call that saves your life.
Thanks guys. We have some very interesting new features coming that will make the reporting and community building much easier. We created Crime Aware because we felt technology can be matched to community crime fighting.
ReplyDeleteWe get some negative feedback, but we also get some amazing positive feedback with is really appreciated.
Hey folks the whole reason we have the high crime stats we have is because of the complacency of the affected population.The old saying that a society gets the (prosperity, crime stats, or government) it deserves is never truer than in the hugely complacent society we live in.The huge lack of interest in the misfortune of your neighbor on the other side of your high wall with the electric fence is a social crime in its self. That high wall in fact makes it easier to rob you, because now the only person or persons who could help are out of sight and out of mind. Toolman how high is your wall and how well do you know the only people who can help you(your neighbors). When a societies leadership does so little to strengthen its police force it is in actual fact condoning the crime stats. With the true murder figures, this leadership is condoning the early stages of genocide. The only way to fight this Toolman is to join a group of like minded and stand up for your constitutionally granted rights. This forum most certainly has a place in our crime ridden society. Complacency IS a Big social crime but not talking Toolman, even in forums like this, is the greatest social crime any society could ever commit. So Toolman keep talking even if it is negative. You taking a step in the right direction.
ReplyDelete@Ronald - Very well put - the more we air our views and opinions and ideas - the closer we get to a solution.
ReplyDelete