A spate of pedestrian robberies in Ballito last December prompted the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) to install two new live security cameras.

BNW chairperson Morné Steffens said the natural bush on Leonora Drive had become a hiding place for vagrants and criminals. The BNW also erected warning signs, alerting pedestrians to thieves targeting women and stealing cellphones and money.

On December 12, two men attempted to mug three female domestic workers at knifepoint on Leonora Drive. A passing taxi stopped to assist the women, causing the robbers to flee into nearby bush. No injuries were reported and nothing was stolen, but the men were never caught.

Four days later (December 16), another domestic worker was robbed of her cellphone on Ashley Road.

The device was later recovered after security guards caught the person responsible. In another incident, a Toyota Hilux parked on nearby Freda Road was stolen on December 18.

Crime has been substantially lower in the first quarter of this year, but not eradicated with at least three vehicle thefts and two burglaries. Several attempts have been foiled by BNW patrollers.

The cameras were installed last Wednesday, with final calibrations completed on Saturday.

“The camera installations are part of our commitment to assist with patrols and to use technology to play our role in keeping Ballito’s residential areas safe for everyone,” said Steffens.

The cameras will be monitored live by the BNW and IPSS Medical volunteers, who will share information with private security companies and Saps if a crime is recorded.

“This will allow security to be alerted to a robbery taking place as it happens and will also help us obtain footage of those responsible.”

Steffens said the two cameras are the fifth and sixth installed as part of a roll-out across Ballito, with at least 10 more planned.

The Neighbourhood Watch is installing additional cameras at strategic locations, particularly in areas with a history of house burglaries.

“We aim to have at least 16 up by the end of May. These cameras will enhance those already installed by security companies,” he said.