BONTEHEUWEL crime fighter Deen Solomon scooped the Crime Fighter of the Year award at this year's Neighbourhood Watch awards ceremony.
The awards drew more than 200 nominations for individuals and neighbourhood watches across the metropole in a number of categories, celebrating excellence, perseverance and commitment by the brave mense who work in communities and closely with the City’s enforcement agencies.
Deen, 59, is the assistant secretary for the KIC Neighbourhood Watch which stands for Kersboom Street, Ivory Street and Camelia Street in Bontas which has been in existence for three years.
He said that he has been with the group since its inception but has been fighting crime all his life. He received the nod for Crime Fighter of the Year during a ceremony in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre on 22 November.
Deen explained: “I always avail myself for service and attend to the needs of the community by assisting with crime prevention measures, making sure the commission is aware of what is happening and help with issues.
"Before I joined the KIC Neighborhood Watch, I was fighting crime in my own capacity by helping to keep our areas safe such as calling the police when we needed intervention.
“I am happy to receive the award, but I salute every crime fighter in every neighbourhood watch and crime prevention organisation because everyone deserves this kind of recognition.”
“People know what is happening in our community. It is hectic and the police can’t be everywhere all the time, so it is our responsibility as the community to do our part to safeguard our areas and try to put an end to the crime.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith also praised the work of local crimefighters.
He said: “It is heartwarming to see how communities appreciate the work done by these volunteers who dedicate their time and skill to keeping their areas safe.
"While they’re all tops, a panel selected the winners who went above and beyond what was required of them.
"Congratulations to everyone for a year in which they heeded the call to action and made a difference in their communities.”