If you know your neighbours and are aware of goings on in your area, you are more likely to look out for one another and notice when something out of the ordinary occurs.
We have nurtured these relationships in a variety of ways, and are extraordinarily pleased to see residents adopting this ethos and growing organically.
Patrollers
A citizen patrol group has made an enormous impact on reducing criminal activity in the area. There is a group of some 68 patrollers who drive through the area when most of us are sleeping, link up with our neighbouring patrol groups and respond with security companies and SAPS as eyes and ears when anything suspicious is seen. This is managed on a day to day basis by Tracey Lynch and her close team, with Grant Laret overseeing the crime WhatsApp groups and vital database which allows us to be in contact with the majority of our community.
Communication
Collaboration
We are truly privileged to live in the beautiful urban nature reserve of Gillitts Park. As the indigenous forrest has returned to the valleys, we have seen a fabulous array of wildlife return to the area. It's not uncommon to see a duiker trotting down the road as it travels between green belts. If you are lucky you might even spot a porcupine or wild pig!
However, when areas get overgrown, it can prove to be a security issue. We aim to strike a balance between maintaining our natural environment and minimising security risk. We do this with 2 projects running concurrently - Clearing, and Planting.