Somerset Park Neighbourhood Watch uses new technology to fight crime
The watch recently launched a network of 45 CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood partnering with Mzansi Fire & Security, Somerset Park Homeowners Association, Vuma and Tech 5.
The use of technology in crime prevention is developing rapidly – from ANPR cameras (automatic number plate recognition) to facial recognition cameras, these changes are all making communities safer.
One neighbourhood watch who can attest to this fact is the Somerset Park Neighbourhood Watch (SPNW). The watch recently launched a network of 45 CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood partnering with Mzansi Fire & Security, Somerset Park Homeowners Association, Vuma and Tech 5.
Northglen News recently spoke to the chairperson of the watch, Avilash Aniruth, and deputy person of the neighbourhood watch, Suren Lutchminarayan to find out about the initiative.
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“I think what has been most pleasing is having the community involvement in our crime-fighting initiative. We’ve grown the watch in numbers every year with all our patrollers passionate about making a change to their community. With the cameras installed in the area we are all able to access using an app which allows to see every entry and exit point in the area,” Lutchminarayan said.
His words were echoed by the chairman who said the cameras played a vital role in securing the area.
“Our dedicated patrollers have successfully decreased crime and ensured a greater, faster response from security companies. The visible presence of patrollers is a huge deterrent. However an added deterrent is the ANPR cameras which picks up false number plates and flags vehicles that have been stolen or used in crimes which is huge for us. We felt in order to make our area safe we needed to use new technology, video and social media to substantially decrease crime in the area because crime is ever evolving,” he said.
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If you would like to join the patrollers team on the watch, visit www.somersetparknhw.co.za.
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