Once again, a big thank you to all the residents who continue to support our NHW and in particular the 150 households who are members of the HRF CrimeWatch group. The latter’s financial contributions and up to date crime information posted on our HRF Crimewatch Whatsapp Group, are essential to our success. It is an exciting time for our NHW with new developments to combat crime in our area.
Crime Statistics
Crime in Knysna is on the rise. Areas with CCTV cameras are far better placed to cope with this rise. Since the start of the year, we averaged 5 incidents per month. There was a spike three weeks ago, but fortunately, a suspect was arrested due to the vigilance of a resident and the efficiency of our camera system. CCTV Cameras work.
There has been an increase in personal crime, especially domestic workers travelling to/from work. Please note the security tips below.
Gated Communities and Private Hospital Join our NHW.
Following months of discussions, we are pleased to announce that Hunters Village, Hunters Retirement Centre, The Private Hospital, Doctors Rooms and Forest Gardens will be joining not only our NHW but will be full members of HRF CrimeWatch. They will be adding 14 cameras to our network, situated primarily in Marlin Road and Hunters Estate Drive. Not only will this provide protection for those communities, but will make the whole area safer for pedestrians. This is a massive investment in the security of our area paid for by those communities. They will also have an ongoing annual cost, as the cameras will be monitored by Allsound using sophisticated Artificial Intelligence software. They will operate under the umbrella of the HRF NHW, which of course is fully accredited to the Western Cape Department of Community Safety (DOCS). This will add another 200 households to our NHW effort and increase the CCTV camera total to 30. Full access to recordings from these cameras and future linking to property alarms is only available to Crimewatch Members.
We would like to thank Heine Dixon and Charles Breen of Hunters Village for driving this project together with Allsound and the NHW Committee.
If you would like to join the rapidly growing HRF CrimeWatch community, please send an email to Rob Jackson at robjackk@aol.com or SMS either himself at 072 160 6833 / Richard Thorpe on 083 251 7792.
Website and Facebook page
We are in the process of building a website and Facebook page. One of our members who owns a software company is doing the work free of charge. Once completed, this will have even more detailed information on crime-related matters and local issues, more information to follow shortly. There will be two levels of Access to this website and Facebook page. One will be for all residents in our suburbs and the other for Crimewatch Members only.
Fisherhaven
Jackie Barham, a Fisherhaven resident, has recently posted her views on the area’s security problem. Fisherhaven has easy access for potential criminals due to its location. We have 3 cameras there, and would ideally like another 2. However, HRF Crimewatch (which controls and manages the cameras) needs much more support from Fisherhaven residents (8 members out of 67 properties). Jackie Barham has offered to lead the project to involve ALL residents in the security of the area.
Security Tips
- Always use your alarm, both at night and when away from the property
- Tell your neighbours if you are away for an extended period
- Park your car in the garage while packing if leaving on vacation
- Do not leave valuables in full view of windows and doors
- Do not leave sheds and garages open, particularly if they can be viewed from the road
- Tell your domestic workers not to walk alone and avoid bushy areas if possible
- Consider picking up your staff at a designated safe location or their home
- Consider buying your staff a pepper spray.
- If you see anything suspicious ring your security company immediately
BABOONS
Please be aware that HRF NHW deals with local Crime related issues only.
We do not have a policy on Baboon issues and were not involved in the erection of those lovely blue signs!!
Many thanks for your support.
Your NHW Committee