Sandy Immelman, Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch
As Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch (SWNW) members were so active in coordinating the relief efforts and keeping
the public abreast of the situation during the recent devastating fires, they have had dozens of requests for information about the watch.
Herewith a brief summary giving some background about the organisation and how you can get involved and be part of this dynamic group of volunteers.
SWNW is an independent community-led, non-profit voluntary group whose mandate is to nurture a sense of unity, dedication and good neighbourly relations among the communities of Somerset West while creating awareness with regard to safety, crime prevention and the protection of the community and their property.
They do not charge any membership fee and the more than 3000 members operate
right across Somerset West including Audas Estate, Berg-en-Dal, Bizweni, Bridgewater, Briza, CBD, Die Wingerd,
Faure, Golden Acre, Golden Hill, Helderberg Estate, Helderrand, Heldervue, Helderzicht, Helena Heights, Land-en Zeezicht, Links, Lorensia Park, Morningside, Paardevlei, Parel Vallei, Raithby, Roundhay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Steynsrust, Stuart’s Hill,
Victoria Park and Westridge.
In addition, they collaborate closely with Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Macassar and Firgrove neighbourhood watch members.
SWNW has its own communications centre (CC) in Main Road, Somerset West which operates 24/7 with paid staff
and a radio network that extends right across the Helderberg Basin with several hundred
radios connected to the network.
It was from this CC that they helped co-ordinate support to the fire fighters during the recent fires in the Helderberg.
Together with Strand and Gordon’s Bay neighbourhood watches, SWNW is capable of mobilising hundreds of volunteers in the case of civil emergencies or major incidents.
Tony Cross of SWNW says people should be aware that they “do not provide a service, but together with our partners will endeavour to respond to any crime or serious incident that affects the safety of the community.
“We will also react to the less serious incidents such as street lights not working, burst pipes, lost and found dogs etc.”
SWNW, along with Strand and Gordon’s Bay neighbourhood watches, are members of the Community Safety Partnership that comprises ADT Security, AM Security, Gordon’s Bay Security, Secure Rite Security, ER24, EMO and Gordon’s Bay Med Rescue.
These companies are all linked together through neighbourhood watch radio and agree to support Neighbourhood Watch freely across the Helderberg Basin.
To join SWNW please visit www.somersetwestnw.org.za where you can also download a Stop Order Form for regular voluntary donations.
