Increased Internet access and the growth of social networking have seen the emergence of online platforms for everything from political parties to environmental groups. With crime being an issue that has long plagued the national psyche, various bodies are using the Web to get people involved.
Initiatives such as Crimelook.co.za and Axiz`s Facebook group, ICT Crime Watch, encourage individuals to report crimes online. While the Axiz group`s initiative involves a forensic unit that will work with police, Crimelook.co.za aims to produce more accurate, independent crime statistics by getting people to do their own crime reporting.
Crimelook.co.za was started three weeks ago "to monitor and publicise criminal activities in SA in real terms to make crime in the country a transparent business", according to the Web site.
The initiative`s director, Jeri Kekana, says they chose to go online in order to make the reporting service relevant to everyone and as easy to use as possible.
"The Web site is an open book - everybody can see what`s happening. The purpose was to make the business of crime transparent and the Internet is a transparent means of communication."
He adds that interactive initiatives like Crimelook reflect a growing trend of people getting involved in governance matters through technology. "The government is reluctant to use technology and now people are taking the lead."
For those without Internet access, Crimelook also allows individuals to report crime via SMS and fax.
According to the Web site, the slow and inefficient procedures involved in reporting crime at a police station have led to frustration and resignation. Victims can report crimes on the Web site to avoid this sluggish process, which Crimelook says hampers a true reflection of SA`s crime situation. However, the site advises users to still report crime to the police if they want official action to be taken.
Neighbourhood watch
Every time a crime is reported, it is added to the list on the site with details of when and where it took place. This allows users to see which kinds of crimes are being reported in various areas of the country.
The site is useful in cases where criminal trends occur that are too small to register on a national scale but vitally important to people living in the specific area.
"Initially the aim was just to report crime, but it has led to other things - it makes people more alert. Last week there were four reports of house break-ins in one area, and people could be made aware of this," says Kekana.
Initially the aim was just to report crime, but it has led to other things - it makes people more alert.
Jeri Kekana, director, Crimelook
Another function the site offers is an alternative means of notification and communication regarding criminal activity. Instead of relying solely on police tip-offs and contacts, journalists can check reported crimes on the site and contact administrators for more information.
Although Crimelook.co.za has only been in existence for a few weeks, Kekana says they are already considering extending the Web site`s services. "We are being led by the public. Someone posted a missing child notice recently so we might look into including that feature in the future."
There is no official record of the number of hits the site receives daily but Kekana says feedback has been encouraging.
"I hope the site helps South Africans become vigilant about crime and helps remove this malady from our lives."
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