Date posted: June 21, 2023
Dear NeighboursCrime Update - Armed Robberies
A very concerning crime trend seems to be emerging on the periphery of our area, involving the armed robberies of pedestrians walking along Noordhoek Main Road and in Sea Cottage Drive. This is directly affecting many who work in the area. We have had reports of three such attempts, all involving people on their way to or from their work in Noordhoek or Dassenberg/Crofters Valley. Fortunately, two arrests were made in one of the incidents after a resident used the Buzzer App (more on this later), but further robberies have taken place since then, suggesting that this may be the work of a syndicate.
Since the first draft of this newsletter, we have yet again received reports of an armed robbery along Noordhoek Rd, with the perpetrators identified as two teenage males, who seemed to have been hiding in the wetlands. We are greatly heartened by the reports of those who were quick to respond!
Surrounding Areas
At the same time there has been an increase in reports of violent crime in surrounding areas. It is distressing that those who struggle to find suitable transport to work in our areas are now increasingly exposed to further danger both at home and whilst commuting. The targeting of domestic employees in other areas has heralded crime surges in those areas, and such workers sometimes carry the keys and remotes for their employers’ properties. This is an important wake-up call for everyone, and in addition to liaising with the SAPS, we are investigating camera installation where these crimes took place.
We cannot become complacent even though our area has been fairly quiet, and we need to continually strengthen our relationships with those who work for us, who are often far more vulnerable than we are. By working together we can all make the situation safer. We encourage everyone to regularly discuss safety issues with those who work in our area, and cooperate with us on possible interventions to make all of us safer. To this end we are looking at establishing a CPNW domestic workers’ forum where we can take this further.
Thefts in CPNW Area
Within our area, we were informed (some time after the incident) of another bicycle theft in Willoughby Drive, and also reports of the theft of metal signs and letter boxes in Oak Street on Friday 2 June. Whilst we recognise the right of those less fortunate than us to walk through the area collecting items of value on bin collection days, this does provide cover for those with less honest intentions. We thus encourage relationships with known, regular recyclers who understand our need to keep things tidy and safe and whom we urge to report the presence of suspicious individuals to residents and security services. We have also made it clear that we will discourage this during the hours of darkness, with the support of the security companies.
Appeal: Report Crime to SAPS!
We request everyone to please report any incidents of crime as soon as possible and to open a case at SAPS. We are pleased to report a strengthened relationship with SAPS through the CPF, which now seems to be working well, and also with City officials, showing impressive responses to complaints, including traffic violations and infrastructure concerns.
We are pleased to note that SAPS is asking residents to report every crime because these statistics are critical in motivating for greater policing resources. Good news is that camera initiatives are picking up steam throughout the Fish Hoek precinct and being actively supported by SAPS along with other innovative strategies. In concert with the NRPA, we actively encourage everyone to report their concerns through the correct channels whenever they arise, rather than simply grumbling as we are all prone to do. Recent experience has shown that services are becoming remarkably responsive!
SAPS Fishoek Contact Numbers: 0217842700 and 0217842722 (note that 0217842720 is out of commission)
Buzzer App
On the subject of innovation, the Buzzer App has really proven its worth. On its first real use in one of the recent armed robberies, SAPS, the security companies, and neighbourhood watch members all arrived on the scene fast enough to make successful arrests. This app can Geo-locate its user and call emergency responders to the scene - and works on cell phones and via a portable panic button. As CPNW we have agreed to pay a monthly fee of R400 to have our area and surrounds included in the ‘local ecosystem’ that Buzzer is developing. We look forward to bringing everyone further news of this important development, which will be especially useful for those out walking or riding in isolated areas!
Welcome to Danieldale
We are very pleased to officially welcome into CPNW the Danieldale Community (the area up Ntombeni Way behind the old Post Office). They will be represented on our committee by Chris Gippert, who brings a wealth of neighbourhood security experience. Although this slightly expands our boundaries, this relatively small, somewhat isolated area is effectively an extension of the Village Lane area, which is already part of CPNW. It is not linked to any other area and has an active community, a 100% subscription to a single security company and strong organisational capacities. We warmly welcome Danieldale on board!
Security Company Issue
Regarding security companies, we have some concerns that one of our providers has raised fees without any consultation, that CPNW contributions collected on behalf of CPNW are not being paid with any regularity into the CPNW account, and their reluctance to participate in monitoring cameras, even though doing so would make the service substantially more cost effective. These are exactly the concerns that made us look at bringing competitors into the area in the past, which seemed to have a positive, but evidently temporary, effect. As much as we try to negotiate on a collective basis with these companies, it is critical that these companies are constantly made aware that their customers expect high standards and accountability.
So, if you pay a monthly contribution to CPNW, please ensure that your security provider does pass this on to CPNW every month. This is your money, not theirs! Please ask your security company whether they monitor cameras in the area, and if not, why not! Finally, compare your fees to those of your neighbours. If what you discover is less than satisfactory, insist they take action to correct this, and failing that, consider finding a better service provider.
False Alarms
Finally, in case anyone has not yet noticed, this is the time of endless false alarms! Please be aware that tree branches and windows left open can set off sensors in windy weather.
Wishing everyone a safe month!
The CPNW Committee.
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