Groenkloof beats cable thieves
Groenkloof Residence Association (GRA) and CSI Security has led to a significant reduction in cable theft in the area, with no incidents reported in the past 12 months.
A collaborative effort between the Groenkloof Residence Association (GRA) and CSI Security has led to a significant reduction in cable theft in the area, with no incidents reported in the past 12 months, according to the two organisations.
According to the Chairman of the Sunnyside Sector 6 CPF, Brad Redmayne the problem of cable theft in the area dates back to before 2019.
“There was a section of cable just outside the Unisa border fence, next to the flyovers that go to Fountains Valley, where cable thieves would routinely steal cables,” Redmayne said.
Image: Facebook/CSI
The association approached Redmayne to help find a solution to the problem.
Redmayne said two options were considered: night guards and cameras monitored 24 hours a day, coupled with armed reaction.
“The GRA initially opted for night guards until cameras could be installed,” he said.
Redmayne stated that the GRA obtained permission from Unisa to install a camera pole on their side of the fence.
Funds for the project were raised by the association through donations from private residents living in Groenkloof.
“After considering proposals from several security companies, the GRA decided to partner with CSI Security.”
Redmayne added that CSI Security has a presence in Brooklyn, which allows them to respond quickly to incidents at the Unisa cable theft site.
He said the company also invested its own capital in the project to ensure its effectiveness.
“The system has been successful, with no cable theft incidents reported at the site in the past 12 months.”
While cable theft remains a problem in the area, according to Redmayne, the initiative has stopped thieves from targeting the specific site.
Redmayne attributed the success of the project to the partnership between the GRA, CSI Security and the community.
“The GRA pays CSI a monthly fee for monitoring and armed reaction, while the GRA is responsible for raising funds for hardware repairs or replacement,” he said.
Image: Facebook/CSI
Ward councillor Shaun Wilkinson praised the initiative, saying that it has transformed the community.
“Before the installation of these cameras and other security measures, cable theft posed a significant challenge in the Groenkloof Village and the precinct,” Wilkinson said.
He noted that the multiple cable theft incidents had affected not only residents but also businesses, old age homes, an orphanage, a church, sports and healthcare facilities.
Wilkinson said the installation of cameras, combined with the support of CSI Security and AXON, is a transformative step.
“These measures deter criminal activity by increasing the likelihood of detection and apprehension,” Wilkinson said.
He emphasised that CCTV enables real-time monitoring and faster response times to potential threats, providing peace of mind to residents.
“Community members will always benefit from enhanced security, which leads to fewer disruptions to electricity services and a more stable environment for homes and businesses.”
Wilkinson said cable theft has far-reaching consequences, including draining municipal resources, hampering service delivery and posing risks to public safety.
He said by addressing this issue proactively, the residents association is ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for all its members and the community.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
