In 2017, we embarked on a multimillion Rand safety and security project which saw the installation of 89 CCTV and 14 Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras in the Bellville and Parow CBDs. Since then, we’ve installed an additional 11 cameras, bringing the total number of CCTV and LPR cameras in our area up to 114.
So, what does this mean?
At the VRCID, our primary goal is to nurture a safe and secure environment for our residents and business owners. CCTV and LPR cameras help us achieve this by increasing visibility throughout our area, particularly in crime hotspots and enabling our security team to respond proactively rather than reactively.
The cameras are monitored by trained personnel on a 24/7 basis. This ensures that our patrollers are flagged about suspicious behaviour and are able to pre-empt criminal activity, preventing incidents before they take place.
In the last financial year, the cameras have detected 44,165 suspicious incidents and, through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, like the South African Police Service (SAPS), they have assisted our patrollers with 132 arrests.
The CCTV cameras are connected to a fibre network that feeds the video footage into the control room, monitored by trained officers from a purpose-built Security Operations Centre (SOC) – the 24-hour nerve centre for the VRCID’s safety and security operations.
The financing of 100 CCTV cameras and 14 LPR cameras within the Belville and Parow CBD areas is testimony to our efforts to improve the area through crime prevention. We consistently invite SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement agencies to make use of this technology. It is there for them to make use of at any given time, 24 hours a day.
The main aim of the CCTV cameras is to mitigate petty crime, such as theft, and more serious crimes ranging from possession of drugs, breaking and entering, and robbery, by serving as a deterrent. Since 2017, the VRCID’s internal security reports display a 70% decrease in crime reported to the VRCID in the areas where the CCTV cameras have been placed, in comparison with previous years, before the cameras were installed.
The message to criminals in the area is that you are being watched on CCTV camera with very clear footage of your illegal actions, which we will hand over to SAPS.
However, the goal of the CCTV cameras is not only to improve our team’s security capabilities. The CCTV cameras also enable our team to better respond to the urban cleansing and social development needs of our area.
Our focus remains on harnessing state-of-the-art technology to expand our CCTV network and support the evolving security and safety needs of the VRCID precincts, which benefit all stakeholders and the greater VRCID community That being said, we encourage residents to contribute to the overall safety of our area by remaining vigilant at all times and contacting us if they notice any suspicious behaviour.
Remember that we are strongest when we work together!
24-hour emergency number: 072 792 7168
