Various neighbourhood watch groups expressed their gratitude last week when they took receipt of much needed security equipment donated to them by the local Ward councillor.
The equipment was handed over by Miquette Temlett, councillor for Ward 5, to volunteers from the Bothasig, Zone 4, Edgemead and Richwood Neighbourhood Watch groups. The equipment include five cellphones per group, two-way radios, high-visibility gear, torches, first-aid kits, and other tools to enhance communication, visibility and patrol effectiveness.
The donation is part of the ward allocation budget and amounts to R200 000. Temlett says the equipment is aimed at bolstering community led crime prevention.
“I cannot overstate my appreciation for the tireless work these volunteers do to keep our streets safe. They patrol in the dead of night, in all conditions, without payment or recognition. This equipment is a small way for the City and I to say we see you, we value you, and we will support you,” says Temlett.
The addition of cellphones is expected to significantly improve internal communication and emergency responsiveness, says Temlett.
“This is more than an equipment handover, it is an investment in the selfless work of those who protect our communities day and night. Our ward is safer because of them, and they deserve our full support,” says Temlett.
The neighbourhood watch groups expressed their gratitude.
Limited resources
Graham Butler, chair of the Bothasig Neighbourhood Watch, is one of those who expressed his gratitude saying that as an organisation they are incredibly thankful to the City and their Ward councillor for making provisions within the ward budget, to assist them in their fight against crime.
“Due to the nature of neighbourhood watches and what is required to effectively place a patroller ‘on the road’, we have very limited resources to achieving this. Neighbourhood watches hold various fundraisers to mitigate these costs in order to assist our patrollers in their patrol requirements. These gifts will greatly assist our members in staying warm and visible while out on patrol,” he says.
Butler says the devices will greatly assist in maintaining the communications between patrollers while out on the road.
“As our neighbourhood watches grow in members and patrollers, so does our need for new equipment, which is why this gesture is so beneficial. We currently run at a minimum cost of R2 000 per new active patroller we put out onto the road; this only covers the basics of communication, personal identification, vehicular identification as well as a high-visibility vest, bearing in mind that there are replacement costs involved in these products too, as some of the older products reach end of life,” Butler explains.
The Richwood Neighbourhood Watch was also one of the groups who benefitted.
“As the chair, we are really appreciative of the equipment handed over from our ward councillor. We are a very small community with hardly any businesses who support us, so getting the equipment was a true blessing in disguise. The equipment will really assist us in doing our voluntary service to the maximum. Our community will also benefit from having a neighbourhood watch that is equipped to render a decent service.
“I hope all Ward councillors will do the same for their respective accredited neighbourhood watch groups, as they all need the full support from their councillors,” says RNW chair, Glenn Marais.
Steve Maritz, chair of the Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch, also extended their heartfelt thanks to the councillor and City for the generous investment of R200 000 into the “safety and effectiveness” of Ward 5’s neighbourhood watches. He says the organisations received essential tools that will directly enhance their visibility, communication and responsiveness while patrolling the streets.
“This donation is more than just equipment, it is a recognition of the selfless hours our volunteers dedicate, rain or shine, to helping keep our community safe. Year to date the Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch has patrolled for approximately 9 000 hours, and this equipment will assist us tremendously. Thank you for supporting us, and walking this journey with us. Together, we are stronger, and our community is safer,” says Maritz.
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