All-out effort to counter crime in Standerton
“Statistics have shown that cameras are effective in the CBD and residential areas,” Fanie Potgieter said.
A concerted effort is underway to combat crime in Standerton.
Jannie Kasselman recently posted on a WhatsApp group that security in the town, specifically the CBD, has been deteriorating for some time.
According to Kasselman, it is partly to blame for the absence of effective monitored and central CCTV systems through which offenders can be identified and their movements monitored to empower authorities to react with sufficient evidence.
“An effective monitored CCTV system will have a huge role to play in crime prevention because it might be monitored by a central control room in town and assisted by the reaction forces of local security companies,” he said.
According to him, similar systems were successfully installed in various towns and have had a marked effect in lowering crime in towns like Piet Retief.
The Lekwa Ratepayers Association (LRPA) reached out to suppliers of such fully-integrated systems and set up a meeting between one such supplier and interested business people and residents at the Standerton Country Club on February 15.
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Kasselman added that business premises at which the CCTV equipment could be installed were especially needed, but interested parties to help fund such an undertaking were also required.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted Fanie Potgieter, the chairperson of the LRPA, this past week for an update on the situation.
According to Potgieter, more than one meeting took place, and individuals, households, small, medium and big businesses and corporate companies showed interest.
“A service provider has already been identified,” he said. “We are negotiating prices and the procedures for installation.”
A local security company will monitor the cameras, and local installation companies will also be used.
The hot spots in Standerton have not yet been identified, but the need for cameras is well understood.
“Statistics have shown that cameras are effective in the CBD and residential areas. The first order for the CCTV packages will be placed soon.”
Potgieter mentioned the additional functionality of the packages, which won’t be used initially, such as facial recognition of suspects and vehicle identification.
An estimated four to five months are envisaged for monitoring crime at certain spots in the town.
“Everybody agreed that the installation of cameras will also safeguard the municipal infrastructure,” he added.
He referred to the vulnerability in certain areas after incidents such as cable theft.
“It would also assist Kasselman Security Services and other companies to do their work and apprehend criminals,” the chairperson concluded.
