The City of Cape Town says the installation of security cameras in Ocean View has had a “significant impact” on the fight against crime in the area.
On Thursday, the City launched a control room in Ocean View to monitor more closely the CCTV cameras which were installed in March last year.
The CCTV cameras are worth nearly R1 million and an additional two cameras are expected to be installed in the next few months.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said that after a series of gang shootings in the area, a public meeting was held to prioritise safety in Ocean View.
Locals will be monitoring the footage and, in turn, pass on information swiftly to the relevant authorities.
“There is R50 million being invested into CCTV cameras for this new year. This is a big push towards advancing community safety,” Smith said.
The cameras were located at hotspots identified by SAPS and the community, he said.
Since November, a number of incidents have been detected and responses made, including trespassing, drug dealing, robbery, a shooting and the setting alight of rubble, reports the Cape Argus.
Ocean View Neighbourhood Watch spokesperson, Mansoer Ismail, says: “There have been fewer shootings, house robberies and less theft since the installation of the cameras.
“Being able to detect the criminals allows us to notify the neighbourhood watches and police with immediate effect.”
Smith added the cameras will make the job of the neighbourhood watch easier, but also for the City’s enforcement agencies when conducting patrols in Ocean View.
“The cameras are always recording.”