The installation of surveillance cameras in Bluewater Bay have led to arrests of criminals but can also result in crime prevention if residents play their part.
BWB Neighbourhood Watch/iPatrol chairman, Craig Hendricks, explained that information on vehicles carrying criminals into the suburb can be entered onto the system’s data base. When this is done, the system will send an alert to iPatrol who can then mobilise its members to keep tabs on the vehicle.
Craig said iPatrol is notified about suspect vehicles by other areas that can be entered onto the system but stressed the importance of residents doing the same. He urged residents to report all crime to the SAPS in Swartkops – irrespective of the severity of the crime or whether the criminals were thwarted in their attempts to rob.
“We can do nothing about these suspect vehicles if a police case has not been opened”, he said.
There is another reason these cases should be reported: staffing levels at the police station are dependent on the number of crimes reported.
The cameras have already assisted with the arrest of the four criminals that caused the continuous power outages caused by vandalism and theft t the Aloes Substation (see article: Aloes Substation vandals caught on camera).
On 14 October, after a robbery at the BWB Pick ‘n Pay, a witness was able to give some detail on the getaway car but not the registration number. Armed with this, iPatrol was able to review footage and came up with the details that led to a suspect being arrested by SAPS.
In another case, Bluewater Bay Superette in Clause Crescent was robbed and there were no witnesses. However, again by reviewing the camera footage, iPatrol was able to identify the vehicle with back number plate missing but the front one legible. The information was handed to the police.
Craig said there are currently six cameras in operation. Many more are required but, given the cost (a total exceeding R800,000), iPatrol has decided to approach the project “one pole at a time”.
Craig stressed that the cameras have not been installed in order to have surveillance of residents of the suburb and were there only to assist in the fight against crime. He said a new drive to collect money for the next camera will start shortly. Each camera installation costs roughly R25,000 but up to R35,000 if it is linked to solar power.
If you are able to contribute any money towards this project, please contact Craig on 082 821 0961.
Neighbourhood Watch/iPatrol is a volunteer organisation and those that undertake regular patrols and respond to crime callouts to keep you safer, do not get paid.
