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Downloads:

• Download LPR Project Brochure

• Download LPR Pledge Form

First LPR Camera Meeting – 5 March 2015

Summary of the meeting 

Anita Vos from Welgemoed Safe:
Delivered an explanation of the process and success with LPR cameras, which began 2 years ago. 17 arrests were made in 2014, compared to 1 or 2 arrests on average in previous years. Welgemoed was able to reverse the trend of increasing crime.

District Watch invited Chris Hobbis from LPR Solutions (www.itracklpr.com) to explain how the system works:
* Data is shared – critical for success – leads to arrests. In other words, Fishhoek could have a burglary and the criminals could be caught in Oranjezicht.
* Statistics show 93 crimes are committed before successful prosecution. In the City bowl about 6 housebreakings occur before being caught or moving on, but with cameras they are caught after 2 or 3 incidents.
* More successful court convictions.
* License plates are clearly visible at night.
* A hub of communication with a range of notification options.
* LPR sends a ‘red flag’ and the overview camera follows the vehicle.

R40000 per camera (price came down from R140000) includes:
* 2 cameras per pole; 
* The camera pole;
* Galvanising of pole;
* Electrical work and wiring;
* Computer hardware (servers and monitors);
* LPR software;
* Cementing of the pole;
* Labour to erect poles and cameras;
* Legal processes.

Costs will be ongoing due to maintenance and/or future replacement of equipment.

John Hulme and Pierre Gouws from District Watch:
* The presence of cameras is already a deterrent: criminals avoid the area.
* Criminals use vehicles – LPR is a crime buster.
* Code of Conduct – POPI Act
* Other areas already use the technology. PWP must do likewise, or will become a bigger target, which affects property value.
* The cameras are the property of PWP and the community.
* LPR camera projects are endorsed by JP Smith (Community Safety)
* Different security companies work together. LPR User Group prevents one specific security company being favoured above the other.
* LPR will not stop crime, but will reduce crime significantly.
* Edgemead, Bothasig, Richwood, Loevenstein etc are also looking into this technology. We are behind compared to the Southern Suburbs.
* Start with main route and expand gradually as funds are generated.
* DW has the control room set up and will provide monitoring and dispatch procedures free of charge.

Thys Crous from District Watch: 
Ultimately we aim for about 45 LPR cameras (solar) and 29 overview cameras, subject to final site inspection. Total cost estimated at R1.45 million, including VAT. 

PWP: 
Residents were invited to assist with the formation of a section 21-company and to serve on the committee that will oversee the process. 
Pledge forms were also distributed. ADT donated pens and District Watch donated 10 reflective vests to PWP members.

Follow up meetings will be organised.

PANORAMA • WELGELEGEN • PLATTEKLOOF • KLEINBOSCH
License Plate Recognition (LPR) Camera Project

A PWP Neighbourhood Watch Initiative

Nov 2015

Who is PWP?

• We are vetted volunteer residents from Plattekloof, Welgelegen, Panorama and Kleinbosch. Our function is to be the eyes and ears of the police.
• We patrol our streets, alleys, public places and parks.
• We report suspicious behaviour and alert residents (for example: when garages and gates are left open).
• We work closely with authorities and security companies.

What is License Plate Recognition (LPR)?

LPR is a highly sophisticated camera system and an effective tool to reduce crime. The technology offers real-time alerts and integrated response that includes armed response companies and SAPS.

The LPR system is strictly controlled and vetted. It is a secure interconnected network, making it more difficult for criminals to move around without being detected. Conversely, an area without LPR is more vulnerable.

Why License Plate Recognition?

In our area, most crimes involve vehicles; not only for obvious reasons like quick exits and transport, but also to blend in. Research indicates that the same criminals could commit 93 crimes on a national scale before being caught. About 6 crimes could be committed in one area before culprits are caught or move on. With LPR cameras criminals are usually caught after two or three incidents, sometimes after a single incident, and court convictions are very successful. The cameras also become a deterrent. A decrease in crime improves property value.

How does LPR work?

Unlike CCTV cameras where footage is usually viewed after the incident, the LPR system alerts the end users in real time. This form of ‘black-screen monitoring’ does not need to be manned continuously, which frees up resources that can be applied elsewhere to combat crime. The system works day and night, using high-tech software and strictly secured operational procedures. Although LPR will not stop crime altogether, the impact is nonetheless significant.

The LPR process

After PWP initiated the project in October 2014, a community meeting was held on 5 March 2015 where the concept was presented, and community participation requested. Residents who volunteered their expertise formed a Task Team to investigate and oversee the development of the project, as well as distribute flyers and marketing material. PWP held further community meetings, raised funds and organised awareness opportunities. The ward councillor Cheryl Visser, as well as her predecessor Sakkie Pretorius, wholly supported the initiative by allocated ward funds from their budget.

The groundwork done by the Task Team, PWP and ward councillors paid off. Due to the size of our area this was no small feat. Apprehension was to be expected, but thankfully most residents understood our vision and contributed towards the project.

The Task Team has been disbanded after fulfilling its mandate and PWP Watch is indebted to these individuals for their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work.

How are the LPR funds managed?

The LPR infrastructure belongs to the community (apart from that funded by the City of Cape Town) and PWP acts as custodian on behalf of all residents. PWP Neighbourhood Watch is an accredited non-profit organisation registered with the Department of Community Safety in terms of Act 3 of 2013 and Act 71 of 1997 under reference number DCS 11/1/5 – NHW CL 22/04 and as such subjected to reporting controls, checks and balances.

Other FAQ:

What happened to the money paid to the defunct Plattekloof Gated Community Project?

PWP was never involved in this project but will assist residents to recover their money. Email info@pwpwatch.org.za

What happens if vehicles have no number plates / false plates / cloned plates?

The LPR system can usually detect anomalies.

How much should the contribution be?

It is totally up to the individual households to determine what they want to contribute. The average donation received thus far is about R1300 per household. For a comprehensive overview, click here.

Where are the cameras placed? If I contribute will I get a camera in my street?

A technical team tasked with the placement of cameras evaluate a variety of complex factors to make sure all cameras will function optimally. These volunteers execute site inspections, procurement procedures, negotiations and processes with other role players. Whilst they stick to the principle that the cameras are placed where residents donate money, it follows that suspicious vehicles should be detected long before it reaches the street or house they plan to target.

What is the cost per camera?

Camera cost is also the technical team’s directive. Expenditure is site specific and depends on many variables, for instance the required length of cables and poles, power points, conduits, labour, etc. Every site is meticulously assessed to ensure best practice.

Progress can be viewed by clicking here

To contribute: please download the Pledge Form here.

Get involved. Make a difference. Your community needs you!