Date posted: March 26, 2019

Dear Neighbours,

 

Crime Update

We are very happy to be able to report that we have not been made aware of any further incidents in our area, since the break-in on 7 February, as reported in our last newsletter. That had been the most recent in a number of burglaries that involved the removal of window panes, to which we had responded by bringing in a Tactical Response Unit form ADT for a 1 month period, at a cost of a little over R50k and in addition mounted various operations with them and as a neighbourhood, generally increased our vigilance.

In the early morning hours of one of the last nights of the Response Unit’s contracted time, suspects were spotted in the wetlands area beyond Birch Avenue but they fled and were not located after an extensive search involving CPNW members with a tracking dog. It would seem, however that this was the last straw required to deter these criminals from our area, if only for the time being but it does seem that the range of responses we employ do some effect at least.

 

Tactical Response Unit

In the meantime we have negotiated to be able to bring the Unit in on a more intermittent and less prolonged basis that will be more sustainable but it is also reassuring to know that we can call them in on a more extended basis should there be a more severe crisis, although this would require additional fundraising.

We have also started conversations with residents in the avenues and we are grateful to those who are coming forward to offer help in securing access points from the wetlands areas. Although this will mainly involve the fixing of existing fences we are also hoping that some thought is given to developing more environmentally friendly longer-term solutions such as various types of thorny hedge. Other possibilities include more extensive surveillance systems although this would also involve fundraising and, most importantly additional volunteer work.

 

Fidelity ADT

On that last note, we have been aware of further complaints about Fidelity ADT and we will again be insisting on high-level meetings with their management, which is something we will continue to pursue until their service is management by the promises we receive from the higher levels. As we have previously noted, the problems do not extend to the level of our regular patrol officers, with who we have good relations and who form a vital part of our safety systems but at the level of middle management and the accounts department in particular.

Our hand would however be strengthened significantly if we had a greater knowledge of other possible service providers we could be working with.  This however involves considerable research and negotiation and is not something any of the current committee members have the available time for. So we would be hugely grateful if a few individuals would come forward to take on this task as a contribution to our mutual security!

 

Missing Person

Finally a huge thank you to everyone who turned out on the evening of 18 March to assist in the search for a missing person! We are delighted to report that she was found and received assistance within an hour of the alarm being raised, much to the relief of all concerned. A special thanks to Karen and Idan who coordinated the search and to the heroes of the night Charlee and Ollie from our K9 response team!

 

Load Shedding

Finally please be aware that load-shedding provides lots of opportunities for would-be burglars, so please make sure your alarm batteries are charged and functional and please stay alert and in touch with your neighbours. A real community makes a safe neighbourhood!

The CPNW Committee