Cameras keep central Sharonlea safe

The Central Sharonlea Resident’s Forum says that its camera security system reduces crime in the area by between 90 and 95 per cent. The forum’s chairperson Richard Shuttle explains that since poles with cameras were first installed in the area in 2008, crime has dropped dramatically. Now only about five incidents occur per year in the area. There are currently 23 poles with about 40 cameras watching the streets of central Sharonlea.

Installed by Acquired Business Solutions, the cameras broadcast to an RSS Security Services control room, which monitors the footage 24/7. Many criminals have been caught in the act thanks to the cameras, says Shuttle, due to the security company being able to see people behaving suspiciously and act before crimes even occur.

He explains that two weeks ago, a vehicle slowed to a stop in a street. RSS thought it was suspicious and immediately dispatched guards in two vehicles. Men in the suspicious vehicle then allegedly hijacked a person, but were apprehended by RSS before they could even leave the area.

Shuttle says that the forum has spent R750 000 to date on the camera security system, and sometimes the poles are struck by lightning and disabled, but it is still worth it. “The system is extremely effective. It has brought crime down by between 90 and 95 per cent. It is not perfect because of the human factor.” Acquired Business Solutions Owner Pieter van der Linde adds that soon RSS will work with police to watch out for vehicles carrying number plates linked to crime.

Details: Central Sharonlea Resident’s Forum ninapieters@gmail.com or 082 312 7942, RSS Security Services 086 111 4021.