We are a multicultural, interdenominational Non-Profit Company (2017/082849/08 PBO – 930058598) and we appeal to you to join our force of “Neighbourhood Watch Superheroes”! Whilst you sleep, work or play we – your neighbours – are looking out for you!!
Mission Statement
The mission of Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch is to be a vibrant, inclusive and effective community based organisation that actively works with all law-abiding citizens and agencies, to develop a friendly, safe and caring neighbourhood where people can live, learn, work and play, without fear. This will be achieved by:
- Encouraging effective community cooperation and communication
- Developing proactive partnerships
- Promoting crime prevention activities that reduce crime opportunity
- Empowering households, streets and neighbourhoods with regards to safety and security
Download SWNW-Constitution-2016 (PDF | 275 Kb)
Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch does NOT charge for membership and there is NO requirement for you to contribute any of your time to patrol our streets. Nothing is expected of you other than to report things that you may find suspicious. In return, once you have joined, you will receive information about crime and other incidents that have occurred in your area which you can use to help prevent yourself becoming the next victim of crime. NW members who take sensible precautions with their house and property are less likely to become the next victim or statistic.
However, everyone has a contribution to make towards the safety and security of their area, regardless of whether they are members of NW or not. If someone leaves property ‘on show’ or their car or mountain bike unlocked, then this simply attracts a thief who will take what is available and may also possibly target their neighbours.
Vigilance, being neighbourly, and taking sensible precautions over your property is something we must all take responsibility for. No matter how seemingly small or insignificant it may appear, we can all ‘do our bit’ to help keep the community safe. Simply by being alert to the possibility of criminal activity and not burying your head in the sand can make all the difference in preventing a crime and from preventing someone else becoming a victim.
Who can join?
If you are over 18 and live or own property in Somerset West Police Precinct (see map) you are welcome to join us and make our community impenetrable. Whether you can spare 20 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days. We rely upon moms doing school runs, shopping or working, dads racing from work to get home, grandparents enjoying retirement, young adults “jolling”, athletes achieving – we need you all to help protect our community.
Who are our partners?
The Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch forms part of the Community Security Partnership with four security companies (AM Security, ADT Fidelity, Gordon’s Bay Security, Secure Rite) and three medical response groups (EMO, ER24, Gordon’s Bay Med). Of particular benefit to the community is that SWNW operates a central Control Room.
Any registered SWNW member may purchase a radio and become part of the more than 700-strong radio network covering the Helderberg basin. This network includes Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand, Somerset West, Faure, Firgrove and Raithby, and SAPS, the above-mentioned medical response and security companies. This radio network helps to co-ordinate patrollers and gives access to back up support for anything we report as suspicious. Members of Neighbourhood Watch groups are in constant contact via whatsapp groups, as well as the radio network.
Neighbourhood Watches are actively encouraged and supported by the police. In turn we can assist them by patrolling our own area and reporting suspicious behaviour as it occurs. Unfortunately, we do not have enough police on our streets to prevent crime and it is only by working together with one another and the police, that we can ever hope to keep the streets safe for our families and friends. We have patrollers in every NW area and with over 500 NW radios in use across our area, many people are benefitting from the outstanding service and commitment of the few.
How are we organized?
The Somerset West Policing Area is divided into 3 Sectors. Various NW Areas are located in each Sector.
Sector 1 comprises:
Central Business District, Somerset West Central, Audas Estate and Railway Station, Bridgewater, Longdown Estate, Canwick, Garden Village, Haumannshof, Roundhay, Martinville, Lionvihan and Kalamuda, Erinvale Estate, Lourensford Farm, Vergelegen Estate and Fleur Du Cap, Nature Reserve, Land en Zeezicht, Natures Valley, Radloff Park Sports Grounds, Stuarts Hill, Golden Hill, Helderrand, Parel Vallei, Hilary Heights, La Sandra, Golden Acre, Morningside.
Sector 2 comprises:
Heldervue, Steynsrust, Helderberg Village, La Montagne, Jonkershoogte, Pepperwood Estate, Helderberg Estate and Bel Aire Estate, R44 Main Road, farms left and right of the R44, farms between Winery Road and Bredell Road, farms left of Winery Road, Raithby and Firgrove Railway Station, Spanish Farm, Berg en Dal, Fairview Heights, Helena Heights, Montclair and Monte Sereno, Briza, The Links, Die Wingerd, Westridge, Somerset Ridge, Waterstone Village, Schonenberg Estate, N2 National Road, R102 Main Road, Helderzicht, Paardevlei, Victoria Park, The Triangle, The Interchange, AECI, Denel Land Systems and Strand Golf Course.
Sector 3 comprises:
Bizweni, Vergelegen Medi-Clinic, Rome Glen, Boskloof, Fair Haven, Heritage Park, Fernwood Estate, Pine Creek, Somerset Business Park, Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, farms between the mountain and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Chris Nissen Park and the area between N2 and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road from Chris Nissen Park to Blue Rock, Sir Lowry’s Pass town, Sun City and Rasta Kamp, Tre Donne, High Riding Estate.