Dear Bushman’s Residents and Holiday Visitors,
Security guards for Christmas holiday season
Introduction
We saw an unpleasant increase in crime in our area since 2019 and more particularly since September of each year. For various reasons we encounter a further increase in crime over the holiday season. Working in conjunction with the SAPS, BRRAG, our Night Watch Team and other community organisations, we embark on additional safety and security projects over this period. These projects are primarily focussed on preventing crime. BRRAG’s main project over the Christmas holiday period is the deploying of additional security guards to patrol the areas where we have sufficient participating residents/homeowners.
Patrols have been employed in both the Old Village and Riversbend. The night watch members are very active with regular patrols by community members in all areas. Additional resources over the holiday season will ensure that crime is kept to a minimum.
Despite the predicted increase in crime over the December 2019 to January 2020 season no house or vehicle burglaries were reported in the areas where guards were deployed.
Costs
For the December 2019/January 2020 period the cost of the security guards to BRRAG was R 150 000. BRRAG originally planned for eight guards, but due to the excellent response from members in the Bushman’s Old Village, it was possible to increase the number of guards. There is an increase in the cost this year.
Preliminary planning is again for eleven guards from mid-December 2020 to 9 January 2021 to cover our area. However, if BRRAG does raise additional money, as it did last year, we will again add additional guards.
Any funds raised from members in the Riversbend area will be held separately and used exclusively for that area. The number of guards will be dependant on how much money is raised.
The initial areas to be allocated/patrolled by guards are as follows:
- Night shift: There will be seven guards patrolling the Bushman’s Old Village at night. The patrol routes will overlap to provide the most effective coverage to participating members.
- Day shift: There will be a guard at the slipway area and one guard at the beach car park area.
BRRAG appeals to all residents, owners and prospective tenants, to once again please make donations towards this worthy project. Please deposit your donation into the following bank account:
Account name: BRRAG
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch Code: 051117 Kenton on Sea
Account Number: 281116393
Reference: Guards.xxStreet/Surname.
Please send an email notification to bushmansratepayers@gmail.com with your particulars donation to help us identify the correct houses that are contributing towards this very worthy protection plan.
Markings will be placed in the street outside the houses that contributed for easy identification by the guards.
Membership fees
Those members who would like to pay membership fees for 2020 of R350 (or any amount in excess of this would be greatly appreciated), may also do that now. Please notify us of your membership subscription when sending the payment to us. All fees received are put to good use in maintaining the Village. Reference: Subs.xxStreet.Surname
Keeping safe
Even if you are in the house, please be security conscious and keep doors locked and outside beams on. Do not leave valuables on display in vehicles or in places readily visible from the street. Please report any suspicious activity to Hi-Tec at 046 648 1032. Crime must be reported to the SAPS at Kenton-on-Sea telephone 046 648 1222 or 082 911.
As always BRRAG will be doing its share to keep everyone safe, so we ask you to please do you part. Thanks again to all those who contributed to our security fund last year and we are sure you all will again contribute and support such an important community project.
Kind regards
Lötter Wepener
Chairperson: Executive Committee
Bushman’s River Mouth Ratepayers’ Organisation
