Eyes on Glenwood make it much safer

Calvin Thomas (pictured above) is the chairperson of the Umbilo Community Policing Forum

A combination of ANPR security cameras, a strong relationship with the South African Police Service. Crime alerts and two security vehicles has led to a decrease in crime in the wider Glenwood area

Making Glenwood safer is one of the Pigeon Valley UIP’s primary objectives and it has introduced interventions that have resulted in a noticeable drop in crime.

PVUIP chairperson, Cindy May Wang believes their two patrol vehicles, the ANPR (number plate recognition) cameras and collaboration with the South African Police Services have made the difference. “Criminals have the feeling of being watched. I feel safer walking to the local bakery knowing that two vehicles are patrolling. I always see them, and they operate 24 hours. There are eyes on the road and it is a much harder environment for criminals to operate in,” she said.

Calvin Thomas (pictured above) is the chairperson of the Umbilo Community Policing Forum and is a member of the PVUIP Steering Committee. He said determined, focused action was needed to bring the suburb’s crime rate down.

Calvin works closely with the South African Police Service. Metro Police and private security companies help to keep Glenwood safe.

“Through partnerships with companies like Blue Security and Patron Shield Security, the UIP has enhanced visibility and rapid response capabilities.” He said increased patrols deters criminal activity and faster reaction times which improve residents’ overall peace of mind.

Calvin said Glenwood had seen a reduction in fence-hopping, prostitution, loitering, copper theft (cable and home), theft of motor vehicles as well as water meter theft. He urged residents to join community meetings to stay informed, and to report issues or suspicious activity promptly.

Cindy May said the biggest difference has been seen with the ANPR cameras.  “Through the Community Policing Forum, we have a network of private security companies. There is a great collaboration to track or flag wanted vehicles. When a wanted vehicle comes in, it can be triggered in the ANPR cameras. Our area is very responsive. There are a number of successful cases where we have tracked down such vehicles, confiscated firearms or stopped suspicious vehicles. The SAPS takes it from there - to make arrests or impound vehicles.”

When the ANPR cameras trigger a suspicious vehicle, the UIP’s security company, Blue Security, is alerted and sends a vehicle. She said the security company does not assume criminality when patrolling late at night as most of the time it is people returning from a night out or commuting from work. She said the patrols help people feel safer.