The Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) will soon have an edge over criminals as the shortfall to purchase a thermal imaging camera was donated by a Toti business on Thursday, 3 December.
After reading the article about the success of the fundraiser at Warnadoone Lifesaving Club on Saturday, 28 November, which stated that funds raised were still R12,500 short of the target to purchase the night-vision camera, the manager of Southgate Caltex and Freshstop, Mark Hardman decided to donate the shortfall.
“We want to give back to the Toti community,” said Mark at the handover on Thursday. “The Toti community has supported us well since we opened, so we wanted to show our appreciation.”
The camera will be of huge assistance to the crime fighters, as it picks up a thermal (heat) image of a person whether it is used in the day or night, unlike conventional night-vision goggles.
CCPO operations manager, Leon Joone was fortunate to experience the camera on loan. During operations he could pick up a suspect’s body heat, even when he was hidden behind a tree.
This is especially important in Toti, where there are lots of bush paths. Suspects can be monitored without them even being aware the CCPO is watching them. It will also go a long way to protect the crime fighters, as suspects can be observed before apprehension to see if they are armed or not.
“We want to thank Mark and Southgate Caltex immensely,” said Leon. “This will allow us to get the camera, which will give us an advantage over these criminals. Beware – we will now be able to see you at night.
The camera should be in operation from this week. It is a major boost for us to finally get it, so that we can get the bad guys off our streets at night.”
