Community Police Forum George

Heather Park Neighbourhood Watch

 

DOCS Accreditation Number 15/18/204
 
 
Or download the Membership Aplication Form (PDF)
 
For Donations:
Account Name: Heather Park Neigbourhood Watch
Bank: Nedbank
Account Number: 1128092689
Branch Code: 198765
 
 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heate/
 
HPNW Cell & WhatsApp number: 0761696479
 
 
Chair:  Christopher Grant
Secretary: Ann Willemse 
Operations Coordinator: Mike Ellis
 
 
The Heather Park Neighbourhood Watch (HPNW) is a partnership which involves the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Police Forum (CPF), Local Authorities, Security Service Providers and, above all, individuals and families who want to make our neighborhood Heather Park a safer place to live.

The HPNW is run and structured in terms of the Western Cape Provincial Constitution and Code of Conduct for Neighbourhood Watch Structures (WCNWS).
 
The HPNW aims to help people protect themselves and their properties, and to reduce the fear of crime by means of active, visable citizen patrols, improved home security tips, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of suspicious incidents and crime, and by fostering a community spirit.  All these efforts engender a caring community and reduce the opportunities for crime.
 
If you would like to be part of the HPNW, fill in our Membership Form and the Indemnity  Form. Once your form has been received you may contact any member of the Executive Commitee, who will explain the HPNW concept and benefits.
 
The HPNW relies on voluntary participation of all neighbours who live  and/or work in the area, whether you are a home or flat owner, tenant, retiree, work from home, housewife/man or even a dog walker or cyclist.
 
Please bookmark this site, so you can become more involved and part of this great community initiative.

Monthly Meetings:  Time: 18:00, Date: the last Tuesday of the month, Location: at the Outeniqua Bowls Club in Airway Road, Heather Park 
(please note the times and date may change.)

 

Index

  1. Introduction
  2. Objectives
  3. Reference Documents ( Constitution, Membership, WhatsApp, ... )

Top

INTRODUCTION

 
As a result of the increase in crime affecting our neighbourhood, a group of dedicated residents has spent the last few years devising an appropriate response. We have modelled our strategy on various Neighbourhood Watch initiatives and discussions with various stakeholders.
 
In consultation with the South African Police (SAPS) and our own understanding of the area we are in the process of demarcating HPNW into Blocks to make management more effective.
 
The primary objective of the HPNW is to substantially reduce crime in our area, provide for an effective and immediate response to criminal activity and promote frequent and up-to-date communication between the HP resident community.
 
We aim to achieve this by introducing:
 
  • Organizing ourselves for more effective functionality with sustainable plans.
     
  • Selective Community neighbourhood patrols (roster system)
 
  • Developing a communication network that allows direct and immediate radio access to all HPNW members, police, armed response companies, fire services and various Blocks (two-way radios, cellphones)
 
  • Effective communication between members of HPNW which will include latest technology (phonecalls, e-mail, WhatsApp, SMS, radio calls, etc.)
 
  • Collation of data on criminal activity from primary (victims) and secondary (police and armed response companies) sources by type, time and frequency allowing us to identify crime hotspots, trends and escape routes.
 
  • A “specialised skills” database focusing on
  1. Safety and security
  2. Medical / paramedical 
  3. Fire and general disaster management
  4. Legal
  5. Financial
  6. Administrative
 
If you are a resident, business owner, home or flat owner, tenant, retiree, work from home, housewife/man, dog walker and are interested in improving safety in this area, your involvement will be most welcome.
 
HPNW is entirely voluntary. The effectiveness of this initiative is dependent on the participation of Heather Park residents. Please join us in making HPNW safe. Speak to friends, neighbours and colleagues and persuade them to sign up.
 

Top

OBJECTIVES

 

1. What is the HPNW?

The Heather Park community standing together against crime
Jurisdiction : MAP
Blocks within Heather Park
Voluntarily working and communicating with SAPS and the Armed Response Operators to manage a swift, co-ordinated and EFFECTIVE security network
Observe – communicate – co-ordinate via any method of communication.
 

2. Why do we need a HPNW?

To decrease the current unacceptably high crime rate
To create safe neighbourhoods for everyone to enjoy
To better assist SAPS
Armed Response Operators need ‘eyes and ears’ to apprehend criminals
We need people on the ground to assist SAPS ‘tracking’, ‘arresting’ and ‘prosecuting’
In the event of accidents and natural disasters HPNW can communicate with emergency services swiftly.
 

3. What legal liabilities are involved?

No legal liability to State or the HPNW structure
Totally voluntary
Members have the same powers as the normal citizen on the street
Members have the right to make citizen’s arrest like any other person
Members have the right to action against trespassers on own property/neighbour's property.
 

4. What is expected from Members?

Primarily observation
No arrests or chasing after suspects; leave this to the trained professionals
If and when arresting a suspect, use only reasonable force
Performing duties only in Heather Park
Duties can include patrols by means of vehicles, bicycle, foot, etc.
To secure a crime scene or render basic first aid
Your time is invaluable! Volunteering to be trained for HPNW tasks such as Management, Accounting, Administration, Project Co-Ordination, Patrolling
Concerned about crime but can do none of the above? Donate money!
Get your neighbours involved
MAIN MISSION: effective communication between residents and security / emergency services personnel.
 

Reference Documents

 

Constitution and Code of Conduct

Membership Aplication Form (PDF)

Membership Online Application Form

 

Duties of Officials: Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Projects Coordinator, Operations Coordinator

 

Heather Park Neighbourhood Watch: Meetings last Tuesday of the month at the Outeniqua Bowls Club in Airway Road, Heather Park starts 18:00

Sector Commander: Click HERE

Heather Park Neighbourhood Watch is a Community Project in partnership with the SAPS and the George Community Police Forum.

General Meetings 

Agenda

top