Observatory Community

The Observatory Neighbourhood Watch (ONW), in an effort to prevent and reduce crime in the area has received sponsored equipment from ADT Security which includes radios, reflector bibs, and magnetic decals for patrolling vehicles.

David Raphael, the chairman of the Observatory Neighbourhood Watch said: "The sponsorship of the new blue vests, by ADT Security, for our members who patrol the suburb has made a difference. It makes us more visible. Residents are starting to take notice of the new jackets and talk to us more."

Martin ten Brink, Community Security Manager of ADT Security Western Cape said: "ADT Security began standardising the vests it provides to neighbourhood watch operations, making them all blue with reflective strips. This means that people can easily identify genuine Neighbourhood Watch members."

Raphael said the watch operated in close contact with ADT and the South African Police Services. "Many of our members carry radios and we have our own frequency to talk among ourselves, but it has been invaluable to be able to link in to the ADT frequency as their control room is always staffed and we are able to make immediate contact."

James Cowley who organises the patrols for ONW said: "I have already had the ‘thumbs up' from members of the public who have seen me on patrol and begun to recognise the new jackets. On Wednesday and Friday nights the neighbourhood watch undertakes mass patrols where all our active patrollers will be out in their vests showing off our presence in the area - and quite a few of them will be joined by the their dogs, who patrol with them."

Adrian Good, Regional Managing Director of ADT Security Western Cape, said: "ADT believes strongly that working with communities is the best way to combat crime and getting residents involved in proactive anti-crime measures has led to safer environments."

Residents of Observatory who are interested in joining the Observatory Neighbourhood Watch are encouraged to contact David Raphael on 072 065 7223 or visit www.obz.org.za for more information.

ten Brink said: "ADT is proud to have sponsored the equipment to the ONW. Neighbourhood Watch groups are vital as they assist in being the eyes and ears for the community, security companies and the SAPS."

Back row: Garith Dell, (ADT Security Community Safety & Liaison), Brian Amery (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Committee member), Martin ten Brink (ADT Security Community Security Manager), James Cowley (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Committee member).
In front: David Raphael (Chairman of Observatory Neighbourhood Watch), Exodus Kambuve (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Member), Helen Swart (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Member), Morris Chipangura (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Member), Nelly van de Poll (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch member)
Kneeling: Desmond Harufandi (Observatory Neighbourhood Watch Member)

Issued by
HWB Communications
Contact: Jennifer Crocker
Telephone: (021) 462 0416
Fax: (021) 462 0427

On behalf of
ADT Security
Contact: Adrian Good
Telephone: (086) 12 12 300
Fax: (086) 12 12 305