Date posted: September 28, 2020
Dear NeighboursCrime Update
As we begin to emerge from (what we trust to have been) the worst phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are very pleased to able to report that crime-wise, our area has been remarkably quiet, with our last confirmed incidents as far back as early June.
This however contrasts significantly with neighbouring areas, where there have been cases of home invasions and several incidents of burglary, as well as of less organised crimes. Both the home invasions and the burglaries seem to be reminiscent of past experiences, with reports of a well-coordinated group involved in the home invasions and of burglaries that followed a similar modus operandi to what we experienced in 2017 with the group we referred to as the “Blue Gloves Gang”, who are adept at removing large window panes as a mode of access, whilst residents are sleeping. The latter group was, to some degree deterred by some very proactive work by San Michelle NW members and was then tracked via the Licence Plate Recognition Network to other areas where some arrests have been made.
Other crimes have involved thefts from properties but also some more aggressive cases, such as one involving a window being smashed in a late night hit-and-run in Dassenberg. This upsurge in crimes has hardly been surprising, given the desperate economic situation in the country and we are in no doubt that in this respect the lockdown, and more particularly the curfew, has been to our advantage.
Check your Alarm and Radio!
It is thus critical that we, at this time of loosening regulations, realise that it is extremely likely that crime in the country will increase and that we will not be spared this renewed onslaught. So whilst crime prevention has perhaps not been top of mind for everyone, this is perhaps a very good time to review your alarm systems, check that your radio is working, make sure you are connected to neighbours and encourage everyone to invest in the services of a security provider!
With that in mind, please click here for details of our SLA with Deep Blue Security, whom we recommend as a service provider.
Service Providers
Of course the other likely reason we seem to have avoided the current crime waves experienced in other areas, has been the fact that we currently still have the services of dedicated patrol vehicles from two security companies, who are currently locked in a price war. Whilst this has resulted in considerable savings for many residents, it is sadly, a situation which is unlikely to last, particularly if we do not encourage everyone to understand that engaging a Security Service Provider not only improves one’s own household security but also that of the entire neighbourhood.
Our choice of Deep Blue as a recommended service provider was well-aired at the beginning of the year and we remain convinced that our partnership with them holds great promise for the future. With their assistance we have been upgrading our LPR Camera network, and we are looking forward, in the next month, to a further roll-out of street-monitoring cameras. This, we are sure, has also played an important role in deterring crime from our area.
“Kidnapping” Fears
We have also become aware of at least two reports, via social media, of persons who reportedly acted in ways that raised concerns with regard to potential child kidnapping. In neither case have we been able to establish any information at all that would confirm criminal intent on the part of the alleged perpetrators. We have thus remained alert but not taken any further action in either case.
Whilst we would by any means wish to deny the importance of remaining vigilant at all times, particularly with regard to the safety of our children, we do note that the SAPS in Gauteng have recently raised concerns about fake news in this respect and we have also been aware of such allegations being linked to xenophobic attacks on foreigners, with a recent case of a, reportedly “missing boy” leading to the horrific abduction and torture of two foreign nationals in Hout Bay. We must thus ask everyone to exercise some discretion before immediately raising the alarm when such concerns are raised and also to bear in mind that.
We stress however that this should in no way discourage anyone from reporting any concerns about potential criminality. Ideally however this should be done via direct communication with our Armed Response Officers who are well-versed in responding in manner that balances the need for security with the rights of any individual to be in the area. For those who do not have a security service-provider we would encourage communication with CPNW, via Connector Groups or the radio network. When reporting any concerns, please always be careful to be as specific as possible, not only with regard to identifying features but also in terms of exactly what behaviour or statements gave rise to concerns.
Community Centre
The Community Centre is looking better and better after we had the floor redone and various other maintenance projects are underway, with the roof our next primary focus of attention. We are delighted to announce that it is now being used more than ever, although the high pressure on bookings, combined with rather too many cancellations has led to change in policy whereby we will be requiring up-front payments in the future.
Financial Support
Many thanks to all who have continued to support us with the R30 per month contributions to CPNW as this is our only source of income to be able to carry out the work we do. We really appreciate every cent we receive. If you are benefitting from all this technology and added security and would like to contribute R30 a month (less than the cost of a craft beer!!) or make a once off payment (of R360 a year) then please help us by donating to:
- Chapman’s Peak Neighbourhood Watch
- Standard Bank, Fish Hoek 036009
- Current Acc number 270 364 439
- Ref: Donation
Personally Speaking
On a personal note, as CPNW Chairperson and the usual scribe of this letter, I am hugely grateful to the rest of the Committee for stepping in a taking over my roles entirely during the height of the pandemic, when I was entirely occupied with the management of a provincial Covid-19 unit for psychiatric patients. It is a heat relief to be at the end of that difficult period, although I would urge everyone to continue to exercise extreme caution, as particularly in areas such as ours, where most people did manage to isolate effectively, we remain vulnerable to a second wave.
Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful October!
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