Cape Town enlists more ‘eyes’ on crime

2015-09-14 12:16

Cape Town – The City of Cape Town is enlisting growing numbers of private security cameras in an effort to broaden its “safety net”.

Most of the responses have been from residents’ associations, neighbourhood watches and city improvement districts.

The city’s policy, approved last year, targeted private cameras installed on its property, for example lampposts.

However, homeowners were also asked to let the city know if cameras on their private property looked out onto a road or other public area.

“It is important to highlight that we are not seeking to restrict CCTV installations and ownership,” said Safety and Security Mayoral Committee member JP Smith.

“We just want a clear idea of which areas are covered, to what extent, and by whom.”

The city hoped that this would assist the SA Police Service and its Metro Police if footage was needed for investigations.

A total of 313 CCTV cameras, belonging to at least 20 organisations across the city, were registered.

Smith praised the “excellent work” these organisations were doing.

“Many have had humble beginnings and have grown into efficient crime prevention entities within their communities.”