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Safer Spaces

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”

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Part of the existing HRF camera system is already outdated, some of our cameras are 7 years old!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:

  1. The existing Camera Network will be purchased by Allsound Security from HRF NHW, at a fair price as negotiated between the parties.
  2. 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

  1. Monthly / Annual management and collection of HRF Camera Project funding to be taken over and administered by Allsound Security.
  2. Current NHW members would from 1 January 2024 make contribution directly to Allsound Security.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).