Go on patrol, protect your community with BNW

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) chairman Morne Steffens is appealing to residents to join the patrol group.

Following a few housebreakings and thefts, the BNW started the patrols in November last year which see residents doing a 2 hour patrol during the evening and early mornings.

The patrollers are only expected to drive around in the residential node and to report anything of note to security companies, not to risk their safety and intervene if an event should arise.

The BNW are backed by three security companies – IPSS Security, Marshall Security and Blue Security – who are on call if something does happen.

Although the patrols were initially meant to continue until January, a noticeable decrease in housebreakings indicates the initiative has been a success and worthy of continuation, said Steffens.

In order to continue the patrols successfully, more residents are needed to get involved as patrollers are currently doing more than 1 session a week.

“Bearing in mind the large number of residents benefiting from the patrols, creating added deterrent for criminals, we are appealing to residents to give up 2 hours a week at night time to ensure that we can continue with this initiative,” said Steffens.

To join in on the patrols, you can email secretary@ballitonw.org.za with your contact details.

The BNW is open to anyone who lives in the Ballito residential node at a cost of R250 per year for up to 3 members.

The membership fee goes towards a number of projects which include paying for the Ballito and Salt Rock SNIPR automatic number plate recognition cameras and the painting of street numbers in front of homes for easy identification in case of emergencies.

Access to the new BNW security and reporting app is also included with membership.

Visit ballitonw.org.za for more details.