Ontdekkers Park South Block Watch held their annual general meeting (AGM) at the Bickel Street Baptist Church on Thursday, April 16.

Chairperson Rob Stevens, during the presentation of his annual report, said that the block watch currently holds 70% of the residences within their area of operations as members, with 17 patrollers on active duty, and three security companies working in close collaboration with the organisation.

“We also work closely with our neighbours in the form of Horizon Block Watch, which is a big help,” he said.

Stevens added that crime in the area remains relatively low, with the theft of refuse bins and gate motors remaining the most common crimes residents face.

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He reiterated a call for residents not to leave their refuse bins outside should Pikitup fail to empty them on collection day.

He also urged residents to properly secure their gate motors and to remain aware of pet poisonings, which are still occurring from time to time.

“Over the past year, OPS patrollers have responded to 86 incidents and participated in three arrests.

“We’ve upgraded and standardised the seven signboards in the area, and we are working hard to do the same with our membership boards.

Their regular community ‘Meet your neighbours’ walks have attracted more than 100 residents, and they have conducted about 70 of them over the past year.

Stevens added that the block watch is blessed with very active patrollers, some of whom conduct their patrols at specific times, and others, whenever they can.

The annual Block Watch Patroller of the Year award was this year split between Ricardo Freitas and Bruce Gordon.

Election results

• Rob Stevens was once again elected as chairperson
• Theresa McCabe also retained her position as treasurer

Other committee members elected on the night are Francois Lotz, Manny Antonio, Carol Pullen, and Mark Drogan.

Their committee portfolios will be discussed during the first official committee meeting.