A private security company, with the help of residents in Pretoria east, is stepping up the fight against crime by installing a network of high-tech surveillance cameras across different suburbs.
According to one of the Alpha Security Forum directors, Aris Ruyter, installations are currently underway in Constantia Park, following similar upgrades in Lynnwood Ridge, Lynnwood Manor, and Murrayfield.
The project involves licence plate recognition cameras, trail cameras, thermal units, and solar-powered surveillance, tailored for different locations and threats.
“We’re putting up licence plate recognition cameras throughout the area,” Ruyter explained.
“We link those cameras to neighbouring forums as well, working together to create a blanket of coverage across Pretoria east. That way, everyone can work as one.”
He said some cameras are purposefully hidden to monitor discreet movement, helping to identify access points used by suspects.
“We put them up along highways and bigger roads so we can detect movement early, especially when suspects are dropped off,” he added.
The decision to ramp up surveillance stems from the growing challenge of patrolling multiple areas with limited manpower.
Ruyter says different suburbs face different issues, and they can’t contain 10 hotspots with just two or four officers.
“That’s why we quickly set up cameras to cover those gaps. We don’t wait for police or security teams to get to us. We assist them from the onset.”
He said cameras are installed not only near assets but also more strategically along weak points such as holes in fences and exposed borders.
According to Ruyter, they used to patch up the fences; however, criminals kept breaking through.
“Now we leave the holes and monitor them instead. Once they come through, we’re alerted and can respond fast,” he said.
Alpha Security is working closely with other private security companies in the east, including CSI Security, Eagle Watch, PABC, Comsafe, Full Brunette, Interactive Thaba, and others.
Ruyter said the goal isn’t to stop crime entirely because that is impossible; but they are trying to reduce it where they possibly can.
Alpha has recorded dozens of arrests, although Ruyter admits that successful prosecution remains a major hurdle.
“We’ve had around 134 apprehensions in total, but we often run into problems with the justice system,” he said.
The initiative mirrors similar efforts by other forums in Pretoria East.
CSI Security Director Gerhard Rossouw confirmed that they are working with Alpha Security to install and monitor cameras in the east.
He said they have seen positive outcomes and have recovered a stolen car and a motorcycle through the cameras.
“We’re aiming to reduce opportunistic crime and increase visibility,” he said.
“We’ve already seen positive outcomes, especially in the number of arrests connected to cable theft. Without these cameras, it would have been almost impossible.”
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