Important information – please read to the end.
CRIME SCENE
During the last week we had two burglaries both in the period 12:00 to 13:00.
Then there were two cases of ‘theft from vehicle’, the one as a result of remote jamming at the shopping centre at the corner of Sonja and Glover, the other being a common or garden smash and grab in the lower part of Doringkloof. Residents are requested to take note of these incidents and not leave valuable items lying around in their vehicle. Rather take them with you or lock them in the boot before you get to your destination, i.e. put them in the boot as you leave for your next destination.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The DNW’s success has always been due to residents volunteering to make the suburb safe. They do this for no other reason other than their desire to serve their fellow residents.
Interestingly, the two burglaries mentioned above both occurred while there was someone out there patrolling. However, we also now realise that due to the speed with which a burglary takes place, one patroller is not enough. All that the suspects do is to wait for the patroller to pass their intended target and then to hit the property, knowing that the patroller will most likely not be back for some time. What we need are at least two more patrollers out there, particularly from 11:00 to 13:00, with the two/three working together. The idea is to make the criminals nervous. Even if we do not catch the suspects we at least make them unsure and in the same breath, take the initiative away from them. So, if you can -please join the volunteer patrollers, especially those who patrol during the morning.
Talking of volunteers, the DNW urgently needs more resident to join the ranks of the Coordinators! You are more than welcome to volunteer for just one session or shift a week and the DNW will even give you the guidelines as to how to do a shift.
If you would like to volunteer, then just reply to this news letter and we will direct your email to the right person.
SHOE AND CLOTHING SALES IN DORINGKLOOF
From time to time there are persons who travel through Doringkloof and, via direct marketing, offer shoes and clothing for sale, especially to domestic workers, gardeners, painters, etc.
Although this is an accepted business practice, experiences of direct marketing in Doringkloof are of concern for a number of reasons inter alia:
- Marketing is done in such a way that the potential buyers feel intimidated and eventually they succumb to the sales pitch and sign a contract.
- In many cases the potential buyers are ignorant of any protective legislation such as the Consumer Protection Act.
- Loans are provided in contravention of legislation such as the Financial Services Act i.e. the marketers are not registered as financial service providers.
- Buyers commit to purchasing items that they cannot afford and don’t really need.
- Although items for sale seem to be overpriced, there is no way that the potential buyers can do any form of comparative shopping at the time.
- No mention is made of the “cooling off period” for direct marketing, as required by the Consumer Protection Act.
- Residents and employers are inconvenienced when agents come looking for the buyers in order to collect outstanding installments.
- The marketers are inclined to targeted buyers who are likely to be ignorant about contracts and the legal obligations to which they commit.
Residents and employers are advised to inform their employees that caution must be exercised when approached by direct marketers and that, under no circumstances may they be intimidated into making any purchases, affordable or not. Employees should consult with their employers or other knowledgeable persons before making any commitments towards purchasing via direct marketing.
Regards,
DNW Team
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