February 2013
Dear Resident
Background
Funded by member contributions and supported by volunteers, the Hilton Bobbies initiative has substantially reduced crime, especially home invasion, over the last 5 years.
Area representatives meet monthly with our service provider, Red Alert, and the Hilton Community Police Forum to share information and ensure strategies are effective.
Bobbies Patrols
More recently a new strategy needed to be developed and revised patrols consist of a combined vehicle and bike rotation across the Bobbies Areas on a 12 hour cycle, 24/7. The branded Hilton CPF/Bobbies Project patrol vehicle used has satellite-tracking which is constantly monitored on a screen in the Red Alert control room in Pietermaritzburg, thus ensuring patrols take place as scheduled. The guards communicate with the vehicle by two-way radios and the guards are also satellite-tracked.
The system described above is backed up by the Red Alert Armed Response unit based at the Mountain Homes Guardhouse in Ridge Road.
A dedicated Red Alert manager oversees this project on a day-to-day basis and is committed to refining the patrols where specific problems need targeting.
Crime Trends Analysis
• Feedback from meetings between Hilton CPF and SAPS have indicated an increase in crime in the past six months. To prevent continued escalation of crime we must improve the Bobbies Patrols.
• The Mondi development expected to commence this year will bring to Hilton an increased number of contract workers and more traffic, these elements are often associated with more crime. This could become a major security threat for all.
• Reporting ALL criminal activity remains critical to effective management of security, even though some crime may seem inconsequential, it must be reported. These statistics are imperative for SAPS management; an increase in reported criminal activity has the potential to translate into improved equipment and resources for our Hilton Police Station.
The Way Forward
To further improve security Bobbies Patrols must be increased. Hilton Security Initiative (HSi) will be launched to target local business to participate as contributing Bobbies Members. This will be achieved through meetings with business representatives and community services in an effort to spearhead the growth of Bobbies Patrols in the business areas.
We as residents of Hilton have to be pro-active in driving security initiatives to limit crime. An approach being explored is real-time communication of security issues to residents by sms and email, and integrating the patrols into a more holistic and less predictable security structure, while ensuring member contributions remain affordable.
Conclusion
Support of the Bobbies Project must increase to minimise future security threats, improve the current system and guarantee its longevity. If you cannot afford the current fee please discuss a reduction with your area leader.
The benefits of signing-up and encouraging others to contribute are;
• Growth of the membership base could lead to a reduction of the monthly subscription rate or at least limit annual increases.
• The efficiency of the email and sms facility will increase in proportion to the number of participating residents.
• More members will mean more 'eyes' reporting suspicious activity to the control room.
• Increased 'Bobbies' patrols.
Simple steps to signing up
1. Find your area leader on the list below and contact him/her to sign up
OR
2. Visit the Community Police Forum pages at HiltonVillage.co.za to submit your details online.
We trust that this information will encourage you to join us in support of a safer Hilton. Your area leaders welcome any questions you may have.
Yours Faithfully
Dale van Ryneveld
Chairman: Hilton Bobbies Forum