Dear residents,
As most of you will by now be aware, we have, after 7 crime-free months in 2011, suddenly had another upsurge in crime in Beaulieu during January and February 2012. The purpose of this communication is to update you on the facts regarding recent criminal activity, the steps we have taken to counter it and some learnings for all residents to work together to try and avoid becoming victims of crime.
1. Nature of the crime
The crime stats for the corresponding months in 2009, 2010 and 2011 are set in the security section of this webpage.
These stats show the following:
· A steady decrease crime over the past 3 years.
· 7 crime free months in 2011 (the incidents in October were minor) – the first time this has happened in the last 10 years.
· A surge of crime in January & February 2012 – 3 more incidents so far this year.
· In both 2011 and 2012 we have 1 armed robbery in the first 2 months of the year.
· In 2011 we had no burglaries in the first two months. We have in the past two months already had 3 burglaries.
Our investigations also show that:
· All incidents arose from situations where there was easy access to the property (no electric fence, fence not working, gap under the fence, low wall, etc)
· All the incidents (with the exception of the Percheron armed robbery) were opportunistic in nature and were perpetrated in a largely unplanned manner by generally inexperienced criminals. We believe these to be young criminals from Diepsloot or Olivienhoutbosch.
· The Percheron armed robbery was very different – it was a very well-planned and professional armed robbery with a specific objective.
· Most of the incidents have arisen from breaches of our perimeter fence.
· Evidence seems to suggest a very high degree of insider information, assistance or involvement in almost all the incidents.
· All the incidents with the exception of one occurred at night.
2. Counter measures taken and planned
· Given the above stats, we were well-aware of the normal upsurge in crime during the first 3 months of the year. We therefore commenced counter-measures during late 2011.
· We improved the efficiency of our vehicle patrols, especially during the night in high risk areas, and we are tracking the vehicles on a daily basis.
· We are working with the CPF and SAPS.
· We have appointed our own investigator, who will be paid from residents’ levies.
· We are in the process of testing our first perimeter thermal camera. Once the test is complete, we will be spending in the region of R300 000 on six thermal cameras which will be located at high risk areas. We need a total of 16 cameras to completely secure our perimeter, but we are currently only able to afford 6 of these cameras. If all residents paid their capex and montlhy levies, we would be able to buy the additional 10 cameras to secure our perimeter at night.
· We have put increased pressure on Peaceforce to improve their already high service levels.
· Peaceforce are conducting operations in Beaulieu over weekends.
· Other confidential measures have been introduced.
3. Our approach to communicating on criminal incidents
· We try to report on incidents as soon as we have all the salient features of the incident available.
· The purpose of our emails is to inform residents of the highlevel facts of the incident. Do not provide a detailed fact by fact chronological account for the reasons set out below and because residents do not read lengthy emails.
· We do not report on aspects that would damage the investigation.
· We do not sensationalise or dramatise the incident.
· We do everything possible to protect the residents or other victims of the incident.
· We will not breach the privacy of our residents.
· We do not report on each fact
· We do report on any defficiency in security measures in order for other residents to learn from this and to improve their own security.
4. Steps each resident should be taking
· Improve your vigilance, especially after dark. Lock your house up after dark.
· Report every suspicious situation, especially the barking of dogs. Do not be scared to call the control room, that is what we pay them for.
· Know your staff. Make sure you know who is coming on to your property. If you have concerns about your staff, contact the security manager.
· Tell your staff not to discuss your movements with their friends.
· Make sure your security systems (electric fence, alarm, beams, panics, etc) are working, and test them regularly. Our security manager is available to provide free security advice.
· Secure the perimeter of your property.
5. What are your levies used for
· Most of your monthly levy goes towards daily operational security costs (payment of Peaceforce, security manager’s salary, etc).
· The technology upgrades (gripper spikes, cameras at all 5 gates, wireless connections, control room software & hardware upgrades, etc) were paid for from capex levies. We still have about 25 of residents who have not paid their once off capex levy and therefore have not contributed to our security technology upgrades. This includes some victims of recent crime.
· We still have about 50 properties in Beaulieu that do no pay their monthly levies and make no contribution to security measures. These residents are some of the most vehement when crime occurs.
6. Common behaviours during periods of high crime
Our research and discussions with other estates shows that the following are some common behaviours during periods of an increase in crime.
· Emotions become highly charged among residents and assumptions and allegations are often made without regard to the facts.
· Normally apathetic residents suddenly become very vocal, and many become overnight armchair security experts.
· Scapegoats are sought, and the residents’ association often becomes an easy target to pass the blame to.
· Divisions arise within the community, rather than the residents standing together, supporting each other, and focusing their energies against the criminals.
We wish to assure residents that BCE and Peaceforce are doing our utmost to address the current spike in crime with the resources at our disposal. Much time and energy is being spent on your behalf in this regard. The fact remains that we are currently being targeted at night over weekends, and the criminals have found clever ways of bypassing our security measures. We are adapting our measures, but it is very difficult to counter crime which is being supported from inside the estate.
We remain committed to striving hard to reduce crime in Beaulieu. But we need your support and co-operation to do this.
If you are willing to become personally involved in helping to combat crime in the area, or if you have any constructive suggestions, queries or concerns, please call or email me or our security manager. Don’t just sit back and criticise from the sidelines – get involved. Its your community and your safety.
