Female patrollers boost security in USJ 18

By K. Anuradha

A STAUNCH commitment to the safety of the neighbourhood has brought the women of USJ 18 out on the streets. 

Not content with just letting the menfolk patrol the neighbourhood, a group of 38 women started their own patrol unit. 

Now, the sight of women circling the neighbourhood in cars during daytime is a common one in USJ 18.

“Daytime patrols are important in preventing break-ins and snatch thefts. It helps to have a constant presence on our neighbourhood streets,” said head patroller Kim Lee. 

The unit was formed a month ago as a complement to the five-year-old Neighbourhood Watch night patrols. 

“There have been at least four snatch thefts here since April. Two men would come on a motorcycle and target any female carrying a handbag, in broad daylight, and leave via the USJ 13 road nearby,” she said. 

Not willing to be helpless victims anymore, the women have decided to fight back by forming their own patrol, and barely a month later, are reaping benefits in a different way too. 

Lee now enjoys greater rapport with her neighbours, especially the women in her patrol group. 

“We are very committed, we want to make this neighbourhood the safest one in USJ,” she said. 

Another resident, Rosita A. Michael, has also joined the patrol and now does her part during lunch hour. 

“Most of the patrollers are housewives, but I do not want to be left out although I am working,” she said. 

Rosita works in USJ, and the proximity of her workplace gives her the opportunity to do a few rounds with the patrol whenever her turn comes. 

Simon Leong, who spearheaded the Neighbourhood Watch, said one or two men would follow the group of women whenever they could spare the time. 

“The residents of USJ 18 were one of the pioneers of Neighbourhood Watch in Subang Jaya, and I am proud to say it has become a way of life here,” he said. 

Leong said Inspector Rizal Kamarulzaman from the USJ 8 police station also came on a few rounds to encourage the women during the initial days when the women's patrol first started.  

“The police have been very helpful in the matter of security and as far as they can, are prompt to respond to our calls,” he said.  

He added that such interactions had been a tremendous boost to the morale of the neighbourhood watch group which has 298 volunteers.