Following numerous posts on the Pringle Bay Village Facebook page and other public social media platforms recently regarding crime and the reporting of crime in recent weeks, Pringle Bay Street Watch (PBSW) would like to clarify a few issues.

• PBSW is a fully accredited Neighbourhood Watch and operates under the guidelines of the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS).
• The vast majority of the Pringle Bay ratepayers and residents are members of the PBSW.
• PBSW collaborates with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Overstrand Municipality Law Enforcement and the Security Companies that operate in our area.
• PBSW is also a member of the Kleinmond SAPS’ Joint Communication Committee (JOCOM) and the local Community Police Forum (CPF).
  
  

We wish to clarify a common misconception: PBSW is not a security company. Our members serve only as “eyes and ears,” observing and reporting issues to the appropriate authorities as needed. Our patrols are meant to support authorities by assisting responsibly and effectively. Patrollers are not enforcement teams, but rather act as deterrents by being “eyes and ears” keeping watch and reporting concerns.

If anyone is dissatisfied with how PBSW operates, please direct constructive feedback to PBSW Management via our website: pbsw.co.za. Sharing unverified information or unsubstantiated opinions about crimes on social media is unhelpful, may aid criminals, and can compromise both victim privacy and law enforcement efforts. Public discussion of criminal events online often causes unnecessary fear and risk. Letting criminals know what we know makes no sense.

We welcome new volunteers. Anyone interested in enhancing PBSW’s performance is encouraged to join as a member or, if already a member, to volunteer for committee roles such as Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Patrol Coordinator, Sector Head, or other positions at the next AGM.

You are also welcome to join the dedicated voluntary group who regularly patrol Pringle Bay, during the day as well as late at night and the early hours of the morning, making use of their own vehicles and fuel to try and ensure a safe community for all.

Please note: To serve on the committee or to patrol, SAPS vetting is required. SAPS vetting is not required for normal (Eyes & Ears) members.

PBSW membership is FREE. All PBSW members have been verified as Pringle Bay residents or property owners.

Crime statistics which are permitted by POCS and the POPI Act are shared weekly with members on closed platforms only, due to legal requirements and must not be shared publicly to protect its integrity or to compromise ongoing SAPS investigations.

In addition, should PBSW share details of crimes committed in Pringle Bay on open forums, it would lose its accreditation and consequently the support of SAPS and Law Enforcement.

People have also made statements on social media about the cameras at the entrance to the village, these are monitored and utilised on a 24hr basis by a number of security agencies.

A number of individuals have proposed installing a boom at the entrance and implementing access control security. This option has been examined and evaluated multiple times, including as recently as last year. Pringle Bay is classified as a village that must permit public access, rather than functioning as a gated security complex. The same public road network serves Pringle Bay, other communities, and public amenities, and is overseen by the Western Cape Province and the Overstrand Municipality.

In addition to legal considerations, matters of cost and liability are also relevant. Consultations have taken place with neighbouring villages that have explored similar initiatives. There is ongoing legal action in Gauteng regarding this issue, and depending on its outcome, alternative approaches may be considered.

Evident in the recent spate of crime incidents in our village, statistics suggest that nearly all the incidents were at premises that were either not alarmed, or the alarm was not set.

PBSW encourages all residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties and themselves. This includes ensuring that alarms are installed and activated, joining the patrol teams where possible, and staying vigilant by reporting suspicious activities promptly. Collaboration between residents and PBSW enhances the overall safety of Pringle Bay, fostering a community-driven approach to crime prevention.

BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION FOR A SAFER PRINGLE BAY

PBSW Management.