SAFETY AND SECURITY

The HGC Heritage Foundation is a Section 21 company formed in 1999 following a spate of serious crimes. In December 1999 application was made to close off the intersections of Balmoral/Lovat & Balmoral/Gleneagles.

This then reduced the access points into the suburb to . Balmoral /Stirling, Balmoral/St Andrews & Athol/Waterfall. Permanent guards were posted and a 24 hour patrol vehicle service installed. The area bordering the Braamfontein Spruit was fenced and crime reduced substantially.

In 2006 the volunteer HGC Committee began to explore new methods of improving security and settled on the concept of CCTV with secure, *high-tech*, off site monitoring. This system was installed in November 2008 and now includes 26 cameras strategically positioned around the boundary of the suburb in order to provide a *ring of steel* thus making our area a "hard" target and keeping crime outside the perimeter of the area. Residents have committed to a once-off capital contribution of R3750 to purchase the cameras and a monthly guarding fee of R626. This fee includes a 24hour dedicated patrol vehicle that is exclusively assigned to our area.

This has so far proved successful in reducing the crime rate as can be verified by Parkview Police. At least one large insurance company has agreed to a reduction on householder's insurance in the HGC area.

CSS Tactical

As the appointed security service provider, CSS monitor the cameras off site and have a dedicated patrol vehicle operating 24 hours a day within the neighbourhood. In addition, they offer a MEET AND GREET service which residents are encouraged to make use of. Simply phone 0861 911 119 five minutes before your departure from or arrival to your home, and you will be safely escorted.

 

 

SAPS - PARKVIEW PRECINCT

The HGC area falls within the Parkview Precinct of the SAPS and we are pleased to say that this is a well run and proactive station. One of our committee members attends the monthly Community Security Forum to update us regarding crime trends and other events, which in turn gives us an opportunity to highlight problems requiring attention.

SAPS now have a dedicated patrol vehicle covering Hurlingham, Hurlingham Manor, Glenadrienne, Craighall, Craighall Park, Clynton and Dunkeld. Any suspicious activity can be reported directly on 071 675 6060.

Domestic Watch

Penny Steyn runs a very successful domestic watch meeting on the last Tuesday of every month at the Rosebank Union Church at 10h00 at a cost of R25 per session. We strongly endorse this programme as it provides domestic workers with valuable information regarding security, first aid and other relevant matters, as well as encourages awareness of their own and your security. Penny can be contacted at
We have a calendar of "Domestic Watch" meetings in our area, click to view.

Security Tips

Beware of the following

• Suspects acting as City Power Employees or contractors;
• Suspects faking to repair a fault, instead they are stealing; NB This is happening day and night.
• All contractors and employees must carry City Power ID cards;
• We have teams working 24/7 in areas that can respond to the information that you provide;

Please report any cable theft, vandalism or any suspect movement to City Power Risk Control
Tel: 011 490 7553
Toll free: 0800 003 251

Test your system
We urge all residents to regularly test their alarm systems, especially after heavy rains and thunderstorms. Your alarm system is susceptible to power surges and water damage. Conduct a thorough check on all components (electric fence, energiser, indoor / outdoor passives, door sensors, alarm panels, panic buttons etc). Should you suspect there is a fault or if your system is not arming or disarming correctly, please contact relevant Security companies technical departments to arrange for a technician to attend to the problem.

Advice when driving home:

1. Five minutes prior to your arrival ensure you are not being followed.
2. If you sense you are being followed, DO NOT drive to your property. Remain driving in a busy road if possible, notify the CSS Control Centre who will dispatch a vehicle to escourt you into your property safely
3. Have your gate remote ready to be activated.
4. DO NOT park in the driveway in front of your gate. Wait in the street until the gate is fully open, only then proceed inside your property.
5. Be aware of unknown pedestrians in or around your property, should you feel unsafe, notify the CSS Control Centre.
6. When returning home after dark, ensure your entrance and driveway is sufficiently lit. This will stop criminals from hiding in dark spots.
7. Never follow routine, vary your departure and arrival times as well as routes taken to and from your property.

Blue Light Gang - TIPS IF YOU STOPPED

1. Leave your car idling, DO NOT turn the ignition off
2. Ensure you are not blocked in and can freely drive away if necessary.
3. Do NOT get out of the vehicle.
4. Try to see if the car is marked with reflective writing indicating the station name, ID Number or vehicle designation eg: RR14 / Randburg / Sector Policing.
5. Do NOT roll your windows down completely. This will give criminals opportunity to reach inside your vehicle
6. Call CSS TACTICAL control centre 0861 - 911 - 119 and request assistance.