WID community safety
One of WID’s two main objectives is to provide top-up security services to the Woodstock community. This involves supplementing the services already provided by the City of Cape Town and working cooperatively with the City and private sector to make Woodstock a safer, cleaner and greener environment.
While we work tirelessly to achieve these goals, individuals also have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety and security.
We have new eyes and ears on the ground thanks to the advanced technology of recently installed, fully operational security cameras!
This proactive stance against acts of criminal intent feeds directly into our main prerogative which is to keep our area clean and safe for residents and those who work in the area. We have developed a good relationship with business owners and are invested in protecting their ventures.
The cameras assist us in being proactive in identifying and responding to criminals. Through this technology, we are now able to have more eyes on the street as the cameras can see in many places at once – something that our officers are not able to accomplish.
Since their installation in November of last year, a number of accidents have been ‘picked up’ and we were able to send assistance to the parties in need almost immediately. In another instance, we were able to intervene in a violent fight during the festive season which was alleviated with the assistance of the SAPS.
Currently six cameras up and running with six more will be installed later this year, as well as an additional four Licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras in undisclosed locations. These are specialised types of video surveillance cameras which capture numbers and letters of license plates on still or moving vehicles.
The footage is sent directly to the security control room where it is looked over and if something out of the ordinary is identified, relevant action is taken. Our security officers work in partnership law enforcement as well as our Social Officer, Abigail Abrahams.
Along with the regular joint operations with SAPS and other role players, the cameras are a progressive and innovative way to further protect the public.
Woodstock is vibrant, colourful community and we are privileged to be a part of it.
If you live or work in Woodstock, and would like to speak to us, please register through our website. wid.co.za/contact-us
The WID team consists of 17 staff members working tirelessly to take care of businesses and their staff in Woodstock. The team includes drivers, foot patrollers, security controllers and vehicle patrollers. Please feel free to contact the WID at any time, if you feel unsafe or if you know of anything that has happened so that they can assist.
Our cleaning team is divided into zones so that each area gets the attention it needs to ensure safe and clean streets. During September, a total of 34 loads of rubbish were taken to the dumpsite, four planned clean-up operations took place and a number of damaged phone booths and defective traffic lights were fixed. We do our best to keep up to date with areas that need work, but if we miss something then please don’t hesitate to let us know.
As people start leaving home more often to enjoy summertime in Cape Town, please be aware of the following basic tips when parking on the street:
• Never leave anything in your car where it can be seen, but preferably not at all.
• Always let someone know where you’re going and when they should expect you back.
• Park in a well-lit street or in front of a restaurant/ store so your car is visible.
• Make sure your car alarm works and physically check that your car is locked (to avoid being a victim of remote jamming).
Save our contact details for emergencies or queries, and call us if you have anything to report: info@wid.co.za and 021 462 1205.
