Many of you will have seen the 2 new camera sets erected in our Owls PHCA area in recent months (as previously advised) – these 2 sets are armed with the latest AI (artificial intelligence) software that vastly improves monitoring and performance. This added feature automates “events” as programmed into the software, for chosen time slots. While this system comes at an extra cost on our camera purchases, Allsound has also committed significant investment into the software integrated into their main monitoring system, to accommodate the AI capability (on analogue cameras). At Allsound Control, any “event” automatically sets in motion, a chain of events whereby certain response decisions must be taken and relevant actions activated, all recorded into the monitoring system for full traceability and accountability. We at Owls “HQ” get regular reports from this system and have regular follow up meetings with Allsound.
Cameras alone, of course, cannot contain crime – you still need an efficient, integrated system behind the cameras, as well as other provisions. We are pleased to share with you that our Allsound partners score maximum points in this regard. From anticipation to monitoring to response and through general patrolling of our area, they are absolutely instrumental in our efforts. They are so on the ball that they often prevent incidents from occurring purely by being vigilant and proactive (on cameras and on patrols). In the event of a crime committed, they are so efficient that they can often predict who the likely perpetrator of the incident is. This makes it very difficult for known felons to slip the net. Take a bow Allsound!!!
We must also acknowledge SAPS in this picture. Our Owls efforts coupled with Allsound’s efficient service, would all end right there without the contribution of SAPS. Blind to the general public, our key SAPS sector personnel work very hard behind the scenes, and our efforts would not be as successful without their help. There is regular and constant engagement between Owls, Allsound and SAPS – remove one link from this chain and the outcome would be very different. Also, take a bow SAPS.
Back to our cameras. The benefit of the AI on the 2 new camera sets was so noticeable (but expected) right away, that we took the immediate decision to upgrade 3 of our other existing camera sets with this feature. So we now have 5 sets armed with the AI – and they are proving very informative and effective! They are obviously spread around the neighbourhood to give us better alerts on vulnerable ingress and exit points. Financially, it must be remembered that upgrading existing cameras comes at a cost (about 9k per camera set), and also requires a monthly monitoring fee (which we don’t have on non-AI-equipped cameras as they are frequently referred to, but not monitored full time). As future funds permit, we will be enhancing other existing camera sets, as well as installing new cameras in currently vulnerable key locations. Going forward we must provide for the monthly monitoring of all these AI armed cameras so careful financial management is required (and in place). It would be so nice if we just had a magic wand!!
Our “CCTV weapons” help us every single day, but mostly in prevention and monitoring activity. However, every now and then, they kick in as instrumental tools in solving situations at hand. Here are some of the recent, notable successes (most of which are detailed in the Allsound weekly newsletters):
- Car stolen from a service station in town – together with other Knysna cameras, our OWLS cameras were vital in tracing the car and leading to the arrest of the culprit. A joint effort here from Allsound + SAPS + Owls PHCA + others.
- Burglary Lower Circular Dr – even with a “cold trail” and little detail of the actual event, brilliant work by Allsound led to the suspect being identified, leading to a later arrest and recovery of some of the stolen goods. This one is a good example of “predictive” interpretation on the part of the Allsound field team, and then dovetailing with the SAPS team.
- Finding missing person – both our OWLS cameras and OWLS personnel search effort, were instrumental in finding a resident that was feared missing. Quick response and again, our cameras at work, enabled us to bring this stressful event to a safe and happy conclusion.
- A double incident was connected, evaluated, and resolved through quick and thorough action from Allsound – again, our cameras played their part.
- Housebreaking implements – likely criminal activity in our area was thwarted through our AI-enabled cameras, coupled with a quick, professional response by Allsound.
There are a number of lesser occasions where our AI-enabled cameras have proved their worth in the last few months, particularly on a well-known ingress path to our neighbourhood. There is little doubt that the event trigger and quick response have been instrumental in preventing most of these occasions from escalating to more serious status.
It may not be obvious to the general residents, but there IS crime about, all over our town (as there is in any town in South Africa). However, good precautions and excellent actions by both Allsound and SAPS have been key in largely containing this activity. Further, in our particular neighbourhood, our CCTV network shows it’s value in the overall stats for Knysna – we are noticeably well below the average.
Lastly, while our overall position may look rosy, please DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT. Make sure you keep your guard up, keep your security equipment in good working order (test regularly), and look out for your neighbours.
Our area, our safety, our shared responsibility.