OH WATCH

Dear Good Resident of Oranjezicht and Higgovale

A better December than October and November

As our year draws to a close, it is appropriate to look back and assess how we are doing when it comes to fighting crime, and making our neighbourhood the best place to live in Cape Town. Happily, we are enjoying a relatively quiet period crime-wise, after a pretty horrendous October, and early November. Thanks to all of you for your support in achieving this. Remain vigilant, and report any suspicious behaviour to security providers.

However, on Monday morning at 06:45 three black males approached the Manager of Omnipark in Gardens Centre as he was getting to his office. His office is located in the parking area at the entrance on Buitenkant Street. They threatened the manager and a security guard with a gun and stole 4 cash boxes with around R20 000 in them. They had a get away vehicle with another person in it - this has been identified as a brown Toyota Corolla. Please be on the look out.

Financial support – many thanks

This year has seen an encouraging upswing in financial support from residents, which has ensured that we are financially sound. Not only has our subscription revenue increased, but our database of registered members continues to grow, enabling us to communicate more effectively with residents. In addition, radio sales have increased steadily, which adds significantly to our ability to stay in touch, and fight crime on an ongoing basis.

Our major fund-raising event, the Heritage Day Festival, held in Homestead Park, was a huge success. The biggest turn-out of residents ever resulted in us breaking all previous records. We are already planning next year’s event, and hope it will continue to grow in popularity. Not only does it help with fund raising, but it plays a large part in creating a sense of community for all of us.

We intend to keep on fighting on all fronts. Not only on the crime front, but also in ensuring our neighbourhood is clean, peaceful, and well maintained. One of the achievements of the year is that Homestead Park now has a secure fence, as a result of a generous donation by a resident. We would like to ensure that Homestead Park becomes a totally safe and clean environment for all of us to enjoy at all times. Many of our street lights have been repainted, and we enjoy a positive relationship with the City of Cape Town, when it comes to repairing potholes, and keeping our roads well maintained. Our efforts in this regard will continue.

If you haven’t paid your annual subscription, its not too late. 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

OH Watch Safety Tips

Holiday time will soon be upon us. Here are some tips.

IF YOU ARE GOING ON HOLIDAY SOON

Be discreet: Don’t leave a message on your voicemail that says you’re not at home. Stop any daily deliveries over that time – such as newspaper deliveries. Ask a neighbour or friend to collect your post regularly. Do not leave a note for family, or leave keys in a hiding place, outside your house. Put your telephone volume on low so it cannot be heard ringing without being answered. Update your keyholders details with your armed response company for the time you are away, and leave a contact number so they can get hold of you in case of an emergency.

IF YOU ARE STAYING AT HOME

Don’t leave tools lying around your garden as impulse burglars could use them to break into your home. Remove shrubs or trees that could conceal a burglar trying to break into your home, or that block outside detector beams. Make sure outside furniture is not blocking outside detector beams. Make sure all household members and employees know exactly who is allowed access to the premises and that they are very firm in refusing access to anyone else. Keep your windows and doors locked in areas of your home that are not being used. Arm your alarm system when you are at home, especially overnight. When buying new appliances, e.g. television or computer, crush and conceal the boxes in your rubbish. If you have guard dogs, don’t lock them away when workers are on your premises. Allow them to see your dogs and know that they are potentially vicious and a threat. Report any suspicious persons or behaviour to the police.

Our AGM

Our AGM will be held in February, on a date still to be finalised. We will be tabling some ideas to improve security in our area and we hope to see many of you there. We also hope that some of you will volunteer to serve on the OH Watch Exco, to give others a break and to share the load. If you agree, send a short email to exco@ohwatch.co.za

An OH Watch accolade

This goes to 17 Glen Avenue for a design solution that demonstrates respect for the planet. OH Watch salutes the architects (StudioMas Architecture and Urban Design) and the client for constructing a building that enhances our neighbourhood.

As always, we welcome constructive criticism. Contact us with any suggestions you might have for the new year.

Check the OH Watch website www.ohwatch.co.za for safety tips to keep your mind at rest and others at bay.

Season’s Greetings and a happy, safe and successful New Year

Your OH Watch Exco