OH WATCH

Dear Resident of Oranjezicht and Higgovale

Unfortunately, our area is experiencing an alarming increase in crime.

The past week has seen a number of break-ins and attempted break-ins. It is clear that there is more than one grouping of criminals targeting the OH Watch area. One property in Higgo Road was hit three times in the last week, with the criminals escaping every time. Also, in Hilton Road, an attempt was made to lift a sliding gate, which was foiled by the anti-lifting device that had been fitted. In the process the gate was damaged, necessitating repair. This is the third incident at this address, which has good security, in the form of a high fence, and perimeter beams. This does not deter the criminals.

A clear pattern of the most common incidents is emerging. They are happening at night, mostly in the small hours. We believe that Bravo males are often involved. Sometimes late model cars are used, which we think are rented, as different cars have been seen on different occasions. However, they are all new ,and in good condition. There is also a white bakkie that has been seen a few times. The modus operandi is to drop the criminals, and then return to pick them up later. There is a sliding gate gang, targeting sliding gates, which are lifted off their rails, so please ensure that your gate has an anti-lifting bar fitted.

Certain areas appear particularly vulnerable. Areas backing onto the mountain, such as Glencoe, Bridle, and Rugby, are prime examples. Also, houses next to vacant plots or building sites are vulnerable. Houses with leafy gardens, which offer good cover, especially at night, are also targeted, particularly when neighbours do not have a clear view of the house, or if there is no house opposite. If your house fits this description, please take extra care.

Show Solidarity and Join us for a Mass Patrol on Thursday Night 03 November 2011 from 10pm

In the light of the current serious situation, we appeal to members of OH Watch to join us on a mass patrol to be held on Thursday evening 03 November from 10pm - Midnight. We will be working with SAPS and other security providers in the area to establish vehicle check points (roadblocks) in our area and to show increased visibility. We must resist the urge to retreat into our pigeonholes and become paralysed by the fear of crime, or not being able to do something about anything. At the end of the day the responsibility for crime prevention ultimately rests with SAPS - but it is acknowledged that their resources are spread thin on the ground and they can only do so much.

If you can participate (even if only to show face and bring a flask of coffee) please e-mail patrols@ohwatch.co.za and we will forward details of meeting points to you.
You can call Francis on 072 672 4647 if you want to find out more details. You do not need to have attended a patrol training session to volunteer for this patrol as you will be in the company of experienced patrollers and SAPS.

Patrols in the Area Around Garden Centre

The late Dame Anita Roddick of the Body Shop once said that if you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito. How true this is. One patroller, with the call sign of Orange 19, has together with SAPS and ADT/CBAR cleaned up the area around the Gardens Centre, by being visible in the area every day, reporting suspicious vehicles, people and car guards.
He has now enlisted the support of two other patrollers and together they are making a huge difference, simply be being visible and reporting suspicious behaviour. We are very thankful to those that prioritise our safety.

Get your Neighbour to join OH Watch

There are still ‘scores of residents’ who are not yet members of OH Watch. Please try and encourage them to register on www.ohwatch.co.za and get actively involved. Members are all ordinary folk with family, work and other commitments just like you and me, making a difference for everyone’s benefit. And if you feel you cannot contribute in sweat equity, then consider assisting financially. OH Watch wants to employ a full time security observer, plant trees, have a cop of the month award, etc.

Working together to bring out the best in our neighbourhood will re-energise our confidence in the human spirit!

Funds

We have yet to achieve the aim of collecting our funding needs in a fair and equal way amongst residents. Some residents have been extremely generous, and we are very thankful, while others have yet to contribute the R200 per annum we ask for. If we are to continue our efforts at maintaining and improving our neighbourhood, we need money to achieve this. There is still a lot we would like to do, for the benefit of all, but unfortunately we are not in a position to afford all the projects we have on the drawing board. We need your financial assistance. To pay your subscription, use the banking details shown below.

Our banking details are:

Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Gardens
Branch code: 201511
Account number: 62212483680
Name of account: OH Watch
Ref: Surname and Subs

Stay safe and alert by reading our website, that is updated as incidents occur and consider purchasing an OH Watch two-way radio. See http://www.ohwatch.co.za/radio-network

Your OH Watch Exco