Date posted: September 8, 2026
Dear NeighboursCrime Update
It has been a very quiet winter in terms of crime in the neighbourhood, with only one reported incident, since the one noted on 16 May in the last newsletter. This involved the theft of copper piping, from a property in Beach Rd, at around 10am on the morning of 21 August, which was a Friday.
This of course raises once again the issue of Bin Pickers and associated issues, and we have noted an uptick in numbers, including a couple possibly associated with incidents reported in the last newsletter. Whilst we will continue to consider additional paths of action, there is no avoiding the fact that this is going to require a sustained effort from everyone, both by limiting access to bins, by continuously monitoring who comes into the neighbourhood, and reporting any and all concerns to the Patrol Officers.
Beach Incidents
Rather more worrying, by nature, were several incidents at the beach. The first reportedly involved an adult white male, who was seen behaving indecently at the Beach on the 30th and 31st of July.
In the second incident, an older white male was reported to have shown a firearm he was carrying under a large overcoat, whilst at the beach, and allegedly made threatening statements. Footage from our cameras then showed him driving rapidly out of the parking area, ramping an island in his haste to get away. SAPS were called and despite responding quite rapidly, arrived after he had left. They were however given details of the vehicle and apparently were able to identify the address of the individual involved. We have also been informed that charges will be laid.
In both such cases, it is useful to not only contact SAPS, the Fish Hoek Station Number is 021 784 2700, but also SANParks, who are sometimes able to respond more quickly or to coordinate with SAPS. Reporting to both also identifies the area as a crime risk, which hopefully has some influence on patrols in the area.
Surrounding Areas
Although we have not had much crime of late, this has not been the case in parts of Sun Valley and Fish Hoek where incidents have been far more frequent. This speaks to the importance of the continued development of our safety and security systems, including our liaison with private and public security agencies, our camera network and security systems and most importantly, our community.
Camera Network - Maintenance
As we continue to roll out the camera network, the growing numbers are resulting in challenges in terms of monitoring and maintenance. We are alerted by the security companies when issues arise, and regularly replace faulty/derelict cameras, but with over 70 cameras in operation at this point, periodic cleaning of camera lenses and the clearing of foliage that obstructs lines of sight are becoming problematic.
Whilst this could be addressed by employing someone to do this work, that also requires managing, and of course costs money. So, we are hoping that this is something we can ask camera hosts, or local neighbours to take on, as a small service to our community!
We have developed tools to assist with the cleaning, and the foliage problems can generally be dealt with using a short ladder and pruning tools. Our Danieldale connectors group has kindly agreed to pilot this, and we will hopefully roll it out from there! Of course, this does still mean a growing need for greater camera system managing capacity, so this is an area where we are going to need more help, most of which is not too technical, so if anyone could offer a little time every week, this would be greatly appreciated! (Let us know or come to the next Committee Meeting!)
We do believe we have made great strides in developing a model of community security that does place pressure on members to become neighbourhood “Rambo’s”, but for this to work, we do need everyone to get involved.
Membership Database
It has been some time since we updated our membership database, so we are about to get that process underway. This can be something of an onerous task, perhaps not made easier by our rather loose membership requirements (just sign up on the website), but we believe that making membership as accessible as possible is critical and fundamental principle of how we work!
So, we must again request anyone who is receiving this letter, but who no longer lives in the CPNW area to please let us know, so we can remove you from the website, and if possible, send us details of who does not live in your old residence. We would also be grateful if everyone would direct new neighbours, and connector group members, who are not yet signed up, to the CPNW Website www.cpnw.org.za to join up!
As part of the Database exercise, we have developed a questionnaire that will help us verify, or correct everyone’s contact details, that we will be rolling out to connector groups. We would like to assure everyone that we are very aware of concerns regarding privacy, and access to personal information – this of course is a very fine line we are constantly having to tread in finding a balance with the need for safety, whether it be related to what our cameras are recording or to how we use personal information, so we have in particular looked at POPIA in regard to the information we are requesting, have ensured we are complaint, and will be circulating the relevant notice and consent form with the request for information.
Who – and What – is CPNW?!
We have become aware that more people than we realized do not actually know about CPNW, what we do and how this differentiates us from the ever-growing number of community groups in Noordhoek – as much as this growth is hugely positive!
So, we are also putting the finishing touches on a brochure that sets this out more clearly and will be distributed shortly.
Community Kudos
On the note of community groups, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the wonderful contribution of so many to constantly improving this area we call our home. Most striking of late have been efforts to make our streets, the beach and open spaces even more lovely!
Particularly striking has been the work done on the Common and in the Nature Sanctuary, where paths have been, new ones laid and picnic spots laid out in ways that are sensitive to the environment but also allow us all to quickly take note of any signs of vagrancy or problematic behaviour.
Of course, we encourage everyone to populate our open spaces as much as possible (please keep dogs on a leash in the Nature Sanctuary so that it does remain a sanctuary!), and to contribute to the effort of keeping natural areas, the beach and our streets clean. Entering an area that is well looked after and clean sends an immediate message that Chapmans Peak is home to people who are aware and care about what goes on. The more we promote this, the safer we become!
Wishing you all a secure and beautiful springtime!
The CPNW Committee
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