Ara Damansara

Posted by LeeYK
Source: Star Feb 8

HAVING a gated and guarded community is not the solution to reducing crime rate in residential areas.

Petaling Jaya Utara Federal Coordinator Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou said what was needed was a higher police presence in the area.

“All the barriers being put up in housing areas is turning Petaling Jaya into a war zone.

“Staying in a gated community is almost like living in a detention camp,” said Dr Wong during the SS3 Community Fight Crime Street Party in SS3/59B, Petaling Jaya, recently.

SS3 residents organised the event to highlight the increasing petty crime in the area. Dr Wong also said in today’s community, people did not even know their own neighbours.

“If you know your neighbour well enough, then they would be able to tell if something suspicious is happening,” he said.

SS3 Rukun Tetangga chairman S. Narasingam said there had been several cases of snatch thefts and robberies in the area.

“Most crime happen in the late mornings and early afternoon when most people are at work.

“One resident also had his car broken into and his sports rim and steering wheel was stolen,” said Narasingam.

He said many people who work in the area or those who used the Taman Bahagia LRT station would park their cars along the lane by the river separating SS3 and the LRT station.

“Snatch thefts would target those who are walking back from the LRT station,” he said.

He said employing security firms was not a solution to the problem as a girl was robbed at knife point in another area in SS3 which was gated and guarded.

Sungai Way police station deputy head Sjn Mejar Mohd Ali Abdul Latif, who was also present at the event, advised residents to be extra cautious when walking home alone.

“You should not wear flashy jewellery to avoid drawing attention to yourself and women should not carry handbags on the side of the body that is exposed to the road as it will make it easier for thieves to snatch it,” he said.

He also advised residents to give their details to the police station when they leave for their hometowns to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“The police who are patrolling the area will then keep a watch on your house while you are away,” he said.

The numbers of the police stations around the area are: Sungai Way (03-7875 2222), Sea Park (03-7874 2222), Kelana Jaya (03-7806 2222), Petaling Jaya (03-7966 2222).

Dr Wong said the SS3 Residents Association would also be starting a SMS alert system for the community and he advised residents to sign up for it.