Kirstenhof Crime Watch triumphs at City safety awards

Kirstenhof Crime Watch (KCW) has been named the City of Cape Town’s Neighbourhood Watch Team of the Year, with its chairman, Kyle Clark, also receiving the award for Neighbourhood Watch Member of the Year.

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate announced the winners of this year’s Neighbourhood Watch Awards at a ceremony in the Civic Centre Council Chamber on Saturday, 22 November.

More than 200 nominations were received across several categories, recognising the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of both individual members and entire Neighbourhood Watches working closely with the City’s enforcement agencies.

Mr Clark said the team was “over the moon” to be recognised at this level, especially as all members volunteer their time while balancing jobs and families.

“We do as much as we can, when we can, to make sure we keep our areas safe, and to receive this recognition is just awesome,” he said. “It’s a real boost for the team.”

For Mr Clark, who has been involved in the neighbourhood watch for nearly a decade, the individual award was deeply personal.

He said it had been “a rather emotional day”, adding that he had even told mayoral committee member JP Smith that he was close to tears.

“It means a lot,” he said.

Having his wife, who serves as KCW’s secretary, and a cousin visiting from the UK by his side made the moment “one of my all-time best life highlights,” he added.

Professionally, the recognition reinforces his dedication, he said.

“Being a director in a family business and only 33, it helps show my drive and dedication - not only at work but to the community. When we’re acknowledged at this level, I'm pretty sure it shows the community that they are in good hands.”

KCW’s recent achievements played a key role in the win. Mr Clark described the decision to switch licence-plate recognition systems to Navic as “the best decision we could have made”.

He said that within weeks, the watch saw “many stolen cars being recovered” and “multiple arrests”.

The watch has also worked closely with police, law enforcement and private security on high-visibility operations. These resulted in arrests, a major drug bust, and numerous fines.

KCW was also involved in arrests linked to ATM-fraud syndicates and remote-jamming incidents.

He shared one example of how the network paid off: after a resident’s bank card was stolen at an ATM in Kirstenhof, the suspects were later arrested in Bredasdorp when their vehicle triggered Navic cameras there.

“It’s not just about keeping our area safe, it’s about creating a network and working together with all role players,” he said.

Mr Clark stressed that these partnerships were essential.

“Without these role players, we are really stuck. NHW members are eyes and ears only - we cannot enforce the law - but with police, City officials and security providers, we get a lot more done. That’s why the NHW of the Year award is a team effort.”

KCW also runs charity, outreach and welfare initiatives.

“I have always said KCW is more than just a crime watch,” Mr Clark said.

While Kirstenhof is a “lovely leafy suburb”, neighbouring communities face far tougher challenges, he noted. The watch has teamed up with organisations to collect food, clothing and funds for those in need.

They also support local animal-welfare groups such as AID4AID and assist safe houses monthly. During a recent large fire, members bought food and drinks for firefighters and helped on the front line. “If we can assist, we will,” he said.

Technology is now central to KCW’s operations.

“Technology never sleeps,” Mr Clark said, describing AI-enabled surveillance and license-plate recognition systems as “early-warning tools” that also help police link suspects to crimes.

KCW has invested heavily in upgrades and is still expanding its system.

“If what we have so far has made such a significant impact, once we are where I want us to be, it would be silly to try anything in our area,” he said.