Dear Residents
We would like to inform you of an exciting proposed change to our camera
system and partnership with Allsound Security. These changes we believe
will further enhance the performance of our crime prevention efforts in our
neighbourhood for many years to come. The Allsound name for this project is
“Safer Space”
PLEASE READ THIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALLSOUND’S LETTER TO CLIENTS
Background
Your Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) has operated now for over 10 years.
During that time the Hunters Home, Rexford and Fisherhaven (HRF) area has
gone from being a soft touch for criminals to having one of the lowest crime
statistics in Knysna.
This has not been by accident, but due to the area having an efficient, pro
active NHW supported by many of its residents. The success has been due
mainly to the decision made by the NHW Committee in 2016 to introduce
CCTV cameras into our area. Installed, maintained and monitored by Allsound
Security, but owned by the NHW and funded by a reasonable proportion of our
residents who are now NHW Members. Any equipment repairs, replacement
or additions are for the cost of the HRF members.
Part of the existing HRF camera system is already outdated, some of our
cameras are 7 years old!
Our radio links are becoming unreliable due to vegetation growth and of
course loadshedding. We have already moved the majority of our cameras to
fibre, and where possible supplied with electricity from properties with solar
power. Technology is moving on, particularly with cameras, and possibly all of
the cameras will need replacing in the next 2 years.
FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
Our NHW and partnership with Allsound has been a resounding success. Not
only with cameras, but with Allsound Security’s Response to activity, Crime
Reports and advice, patrolling etc. We believe that our relationship should now
progress to the next level to ensure that our area remains one of the safest in
Knysna. The area has benefited from the existing cameras currently installed,
but could greatly improve with the additional cameras and also budget to
replace aging existing cameras.
THE JOINT PROPOSAL
A small sub-committee of the NHW has been in discussion with Allsound for
over 4 months and we believe, together, we have come up with a sustainable
proposal and restructure for the Camera System. The main aim of the strategy
is summarized as follows:
- The existing Camera Network will be purchased by Allsound Security
from HRF NHW, at a fair price as negotiated between the parties. - Allsound will thereafter undertake to maintain, repair, replace and add
to the camera system in discussion with HRF NHW. Latest technology
will be used, with the possibility of License Plate Recognition (LPR)
where necessary.
FUNDING OF THE CAMERA SYSTEM MOVING FORWARD
- Monthly / Annual management and collection of HRF Camera Project
funding to be taken over and administered by Allsound Security. - Current NHW members would from 1 January 2024 make contribution
directly to Allsound Security. - Allsound Security will communicate with their existing client base in the
HRF area who are not yet part of the NHW to also contribute by way of
annual or monthly fee. - This will potentially mean a wider reach for membership / contribution
which will result in a reduced fee for all contributors (R600 per annum)
and potentially more funding for expansion of the camera network
within the HRF area. - The funds received from Allsound Security for the purchase of the
existing cameras will be paid into the HRF Neighbourhood Watch bank
account. These funds as well as existing funds will be retained and
managed by your HRF NHW Committee for any future NHW projects.
This account will continue to be maintained and audited as duly obliged
to.
BENEFITS
This new arrangement will result in a modern, reliable and efficient camera
system, continually updated and expanded where necessary. It is envisaged
that all the NHWs with cameras will do the same. This will add improved
coordination between NHWs to the list of benefits.
NHW FUTURE
This arrangement in no way affects the standing of your NHW.
We are accredited by the Western Cape department of Community Safety
and as such come under the umbrella of the Knysna Community Police Forum
(CPF) We are a member of the Knysna Safety and Security Initiative (KSSI)
and attend weekly and monthly meetings with other security partners. The
NHW will continue with the very successful Crimewatch group, Patrollers and
Security Advice, Newsletters, Meetings and Crime Reporting.
This is an exciting opportunity which will equip the NHW for the next 10
years and help to keep our beautiful suburb a “Safer Space”. The
arrangement is legally binding, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
and a very detailed Service Level agreement (SLA).
We invite feedback from NHW members. Please email Rob Jackson on
Robjackk@aol.com with any queries.
Kind Regards. YOUR HRF NHW COMMITTEE