Concerns over persistent vehicle-related crime in Brooklyn, particularly around Tram Street between Bronkhorst and Lange streets, have prompted renewed efforts to strengthen safety measures at South of Middel (SoM) Park.

According to Ward 56 Councillor Tiaan Dippenaar, who is also part of the SoM precinct Community Upliftment Precinct, the high volume of daily visitors to the area has made car theft a recurring challenge.

“Tram Street, which runs past VFS Global, has cars here every day. From my understanding, car theft has been almost a daily occurrence in the area,” he said.

In response, the SoM Precinct’s park improvement initiative prioritised safety and the restructuring of informal security arrangements.

Dippenaar said the decision was to move away from self-appointed car guards and instead introduce a structured, accountable system.

“The newly introduced ‘Meerkatte’ team at SoM Park is part of a partnership between Milvets and Tshwane 4 Change (T4C),” said Dippenaar.

He said the initiative also aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for military veterans and individuals in need, while improving safety in the precinct.

Dippenaar stated that the car guards assist visitors with parking, provide umbrellas during bad weather, and monitor the area for any suspicious activity, reporting concerns through an established security network.

“There are four car guards who will rotate shifts among themselves,” he said.

He explained that the team is linked directly to multiple security companies operating across Pretoria.

“They are in direct contact with all the security companies. They’re part of the broader security network, so if anything happens or they spot a situation, I’m confident the response will be quick,” he said.

He added that while no incidents have yet been recorded inside SoM Park itself, plans are underway to further strengthen security through a proposed CCTV network.

The precinct is not limited to a single service provider, with collaboration including several security companies, such as ProShield, CSI, and others within the wider Pretoria security forum.

“It’s really a collaboration between everyone involved,” Dippenaar said.

Alongside the safety upgrades, physical improvements are also underway at the park, with tennis courts being repaired to enhance recreational facilities for residents.

According to Dippenaar, the SoM Precinct combined efforts to form part of a broader vision to create safer, cleaner, and more community-driven public spaces.

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