*Our monthly meeting was held on 17 June 2015. Thanks to all who attended the meeting, especially to Constable Berry, our SAPS Sector Manager, and Hudson McComb, the new incoming COO of OBSID.*
*Feedback from the Sector Leaders indicated that there have been fewer patrols over the last month overall. Our SAPS Sector manager, reported that the information passed on by these patrols and members is invaluable to SAPS and thanked us for our efforts. He also noted that there has been a disturbing increasing in armed robberies in Observatory of late.* *The Chairman thanked SAPS in turn for their efforts, and in particular for their role in closing down some of the rogue clubs/bars on Lower Main Road and for removing the informal car guards from the area. It was agreed that this had had a marked impact on security in the area and that the focus would now be shifted to similar problem establishments along Main Road.* *It was agreed that there should be renewed focus on growing the number of ONW patrols and in encouraging community members in general to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious or any faulty street infrastructure to the OPS control center (021 447 1066). To this end it was reported that:* *- Another "Broken Windows" seminar has been scheduled for 29 September 2015, after the first seminar in May 2015 was received so well. The seminar is about the process of decay in urban environments and highlights the impact that addressing small issues in a neighborhood can have on crime. Further information on the seminar and booking to follow soon.* * - The Marketing Team is preparing a series of info pamphlets/stickers that will be given to members and the wider community with a list of contact numbers for reporting various issues. It was agreed that the issuing of this material would also be a good opportunity to recruit new members and to educate/activate the community at large.* *Hudson McComb, the new OBSID COO, was introduced to the meeting and it was reported that OBSID were considering some social upliftment programs for integrating some of the poor and homeless in Obs into their ranks - possibly to include some of the informal car guards. It was further reported that the current OBSID security contract was coming up for renewal and that ONW would be engaged for their input on this. Members are reminded to please email Steve Killick if they would like like to offer their expertise to the panel or put any ideas forward for the panel to discuss with OBSID. The first workshop meeting has been scheduled for 15h00 on Friday 3 July 2015.* *A special vote was held as to whether ONW members should be allowed to carry fire arms on patrol. ONW members were able to exercise their vote by email leading up to the meeting or by ballot at the meeting: 65% of the vote were against carrying fire arms on patrol. * *It was reported that there had been lively communication on two of the ONW communication platforms: Facebook and the Google Group. Members were encouraged to share crime related information and concerns on these forums but were also reminded not to abuse the platforms or they would be moderated and/or removed. * *The next ONW is scheduled for 22 July 2015 at 6pm. We hope to see you there.* -- Steve Killick Cell 084 447 5544 email: [email protected] -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OPS [Obsid Public Safety] - 24/7 control room TEL: 021-447-1066 or 072-063-1653 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EMERGENCIES: 10111 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ONW email: [email protected] WEB: www.obswatch.org.za FACEBOOK: facebook.com/obswatch ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Useful Obs Numbers: obs.org.za/obsdir You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups The Observatory Neighbourhood watch group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/obsnw?hl=en --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Observatory Neighbourhood Watch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
