Portland Block B neighbourhood watch launched their base camp at Montagu Drive Primary School with a march against crime and drug abuse and their annual fun day, on Saturday October 27.
The base would operate 24/7 so the community could report complaints and crime in the area, said block watch vice chairman, Abdoraof Ismail.
More than 1 500 people took part in the march.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security and social services JP Smith and former Community Safety MEC Dan Plato attended the event.
“We planted a symbolic tree to remind us of our growth, our growth as a team and our growth with the community,” said Mr Ismail.
They had worked hard to reach this point, said Mr Ismail, especially when there had been a change in the system between the police and the Department of Safety and Security.
Portland Block B neighbourhood watch was established in 2010 and made a non-profit organisation in September this year.
They have 45 members with 15 patrolling, in shifts, in Merrydale, Montagu Drive, Eisleben and Spine Road.
The neighbourhood watch is appealing to the community to join the WhatsApp group.
Call Mr Ismail at 082 647 3665 for more information.