Constantia Valley Monitoring Centre.
Law enforcement and security role players in the deep south need fast, accurate information as soon as possible.
Trevor Vroom, Constantia Community Police sub-forum chairperson said this is often the factor which determines whether or not a suspect is tracked down and nabbed before getting away.
Mr Vroom says they have access to the latest modern technology at their Constantia Valley Monitoring Centre. “This means we can broadcast reports of suspect vehicles or suspicious persons wanted in connection with crimes. But this is all dependent on incidents being reported to us and we need the public’s support and cooperation,” says Mr Vroom.
The centre is the main coordination point for armed response, neighbourhood watch and law enforcement agencies that are spread across Constantia, Constantia Hills, Bergvliet, Kirstenhof, Kreupelbosch, Meadowridge, Plumstead, Southfield, Tokai and Wynberg.
“It is operational around the clock and deals with incidents relating to crime and other municipal service delivery issues such as missing persons, snakes, and disaster management.
“One of the centre’s key technological features is the series of licence plate recognition (LPR) and other greenbelt cameras it monitors. This gives us the ability to quickly track down any suspect vehicles and coordinate a response. In order to do this effectively, we need accurate information such as the registration number, make, model and colour. Considering how far a vehicle can travel at a modest 60km/h, it becomes important to alert us as quickly as you can before the vehicle leaves our area,” says Mr Vroom.
“CCTV and human detection cameras across the area provide the same level of security monitoring,” he adds.
One of the armed response companies that contribute to the centre and makes use of its monitoring services is Fidelity ADT. The company’s Western Cape General Manager, Jade Hanning says a single coordinated monitoring facility such as this is often a game-changer in local safety efforts which is why they support it.
Mr Hanning says reports of suspicious behaviour should include where the person was seen, a description of items of clothing or other distinguishable or unique features, as well as the direction in which the person was moving.
Registered neighbourhood watch members may call 086 000 2669 to report criminal or suspicious activity.