Date posted: May 8, 2017
Dear Neighbours,
Crime Update
We are still seeing a worrying trend in terms of an increase in nefarious activity in our area and we remained concerned that this may herald the start of more regular and serious incidents if we are not able to turn this around and re-establish our area as one that is well-protected. Most seriously, a scooter was stolen in Pine Rd at some time between 17 and 19 April. As the battery of the scooter was known to be flat, it is clear that this theft must have involved some rather brazen activity that would have been necessary to either lift it onto another vehicle/trailer or to recharge/replace the battery. The implications of actions such as this being successful in the area raise do raise serious concerns regarding our vulnerability so we really do need everyone to be on high alert!
There were also included a further two break-ins to the NRA clubhouse which brings to 5 the number of times this particular premises has been broken into this year. There was also an incident of vandalism on Beach Rd, there have been several alarm activations that were highly likely to be due to attempted incursions onto properties. We are also aware of an increase in similar events in the surrounding areas.
So, once again we must particularly urge everyone to ensure that security measures and alarms are in place and working with particular emphasis on vulnerable out-buildings!
Radios
We have also had several incidents of late where members experienced problems using their radios when alarms were activated, primarily due to battery problems. So we must again urge everyone to PLEASE DO REGULAR RADIO CHECKS! We encourage everyone to participate in these and to initiate and respond to checks spontaneously, rather than relying on radio coordinators to do so. Although we strive to always ensure that a coordinator is available, as we are all volunteers (and human) we cannot always be 100% sure that this will be the case. So we do need the broader radio network to maintain some level of activity as a back-up, with over 120 radios in the area, this really should not be too difficult, simply stay tuned on 8, we can assure you that if you do so, the disturbance from regular traffic is minimal.
So, to be clear, we encourage any radio-user at any time (before 8pm) to:
1. Call in on 8 to check your radio: “Chapmans Peak, Chapmans Peak, this is xxxxx at (your location) with a radio check@ (repeat, initially 2x, then periodically until someone responds.
2. Respond to radio checks: “xxxxx this is yyyyyy at (y’s location) receiving you loud and clear” (or give a score out of 5 for volume (first score) and clarity (second score) – so “5 by 5” equals “loud and clear”)
How to Respond
We do think we need to start responding a little more actively to minor incidents so we strongly encourage everyone to take part in any response that is called to incidents in the near future! If you do not have an assigned role in the Response Team, simply putting house lights on, shining a torch in your road, notifying your Connector’s Group and having your radio at hand can have a major impact.
Additionally, if you do see anything that raises concern, please notify the WhatsApp groups but please also ask the ADT Patrol vehicles to investigate. They can be contacted directly via their cell numbers, for this kind of request, during daytime hours please contact the regular AR (V24) vehicle at 0784569398 but at night please contact the vehicle designated for Neighbourhood Watch Patrolling (V29) at 0832597312.
Admin
On the admin side of things we must ask everyone’s assistance in encouraging new residents to visit the website and sign up but equally importantly, to let us know if you have left the area. So, if you are getting this letter but no longer living in Chapmans Peak please send an email to membership@cpnw.org.za and we will take you off our mailing list.
We also have a legal obligation to keep track of radios that are on our frequency (one in the wrong hands could compromise everyone in the Fishoek precinct). So, if someone owns a radio and leaves the area please either give the radio to us to get the frequency removed before you use it for other purposes, or we can try and find a buyer for your radio.
Volunteers Needed to Assist with Safety in Table Mountain NP Areas
As many of you are no doubt aware, TMNP have battled to control criminal activity in the large areas under its control, areas that many of us use regularly for a range of recreational activities, including hiking, climbing, walking our dogs and cycling, with a number of recent incidents on Black Hill and in the Peers Cave area, in particular. If this situation is not turned around soon we face the unpleasant prospect of our beautiful beach and mountain wildernesses becoming no-go areas. Pete du Plessis, a Komwatch member with extensive experience of security work in wilderness areas, has put together a team of volunteers to assist with anti-crime efforts that are coordinated with SAN Parks, and which have already seen some success. He is however looking for further volunteers who are fit, have some experience in walking in the mountains and would be able to join when needed.
If you are interested, please let us know or contact Pete at 0824188868.
Wishing everyone a safe month!
The CPNW Committee.
YOUR WHEELIE BIN CAN BE USED AS A TOOL TO COMMIT CRIMES.
Safer streets and communities are made by people getting to know each other and looking out for one another. You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbours, but you should definitely get to know them. You’ll be surprised by the community and safety benefits that will come your way.This is some straight forward advice on how to improve your home security and dramatically reduce the likelihood of experiencing a burglary. I take burglary very seriously. I understand that it can be both financially costly and emotionally devastating for victims and their families. However, by taking just a few simple measures you can reduce the chances of it happening to you. Why might your home be targeted? Most burglaries tend to be opportunistic, rather than planned. Burglars usually choose houses that have little or no visible security. So if your home does not look secure, seems unlived in, or provides unobserved access, it could be at risk.Understanding what burglars look for when choosing their target will help you identify weak spots in your home’s security. The question is what makes Your Home and Your Street attractive to burglars? The answer is simple, your wheelie bins. Ultimately your bin could become a tool for crime
.• It is a ladder to climb over your wal
l• It is a hiding place to ambush you
• It is used to transport stolen goods
• It attracts vagrants to your house
• It shows people you might be away. Please only place bins out on the morning of collection. This helps with a number of things and make sure it is back behind doors and out of sight the same day. There is the possibility that criminals can use your bin as a step ladder to climb over walls. It also reduces the number of “bin-scratchers” during the early morning hours. Whilst some are genuine, others use this as a cover to observe homes, their security, and time of leaving to go to work – this is FACT not fiction.And importantly is could also reduce Identity fraud. Extract from SARS website – What is Identity Fraud? Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information such as your name, your Identity Number or other identifying information, to commit fraud or other crimes. This information can be stolen from your home, car, your wallet and even through dumpster diving, where criminals will go through your rubbish bins to obtain the required documents.The solution is to store wheelie bins away so burglars can’t climb up on them. And furthermore DO NOT put your bins out the night before. Get your neighbours to help you if your routine make’s this difficult. What are neighbours for after all if not to help another?
*NB Please make sure that your driveway’s gate are closed and locked and arm your alarm system.