It’s important to note and remember a few things regarding OWLS Patrols:
- Patrols are entirely VOLUNTARY
- Patrols do not operate according to any set roster or predetermined route
- Patrols should not be considered a replacement for professional security services – please do not expect an OWLS Patrol member to assist you in the event of a crime, as this is entirely out of their remit (see below “What to do in case of an emergency”). The objective of our patrols is to provide eyes & ears on the ground, and a visible presence in the community.
Our OWLS Patrols operate around the Paradise, Knysna Heights, Westhill, Heuwelkruin area as and when they can. OWLS in general have an excellent relationship with Allsound & SAPS, and regularly interface with them to ensure that our neighbourhood is as safe as possible. This can include but is not limited to:
- Monitoring of individuals that have no apparent reason to be in the area
- Advising security services of areas or activity to be aware of – Allsound then usually increase their presence
- Publishing or forwarding information on the OWLS Security WhatsApp group
What to do in case of an emergency?
- Your first priority should be to call your security company and ask them to respond
(Don’t make the mistake of thinking that OWLS in any way replaces the professional services of your security company) - Then call or notify SAPS if appropriate
- Then post a message on the OWLS Security WhatsApp group so that both the OWLS Committee and your neighbours are informed of the situation
NOTE – it is really important that a case is opened with SAPS in all instances of criminal activity, no matter how minor. Even if you don’t think you will get your stolen goods back (or you are lucky enough to have got your stolen goods back), OPEN A CASE WITH SAPS. This is very important for 2 reasons;
- If you don’t open a case it distorts SAPS crime stats which has negative connotations. Understand that SAPS management can only allocate resources according to where their stats show they are needed. So, if you don’t open a case, you are in fact weakening SAPS attention to our area!
- SAPS cannot secure prosecutions if we don’t assist them by opening a case AND STICKING WITH IT. Even if they recover your stolen goods or you have been assaulted but not seriously hurt, don’t think it’s too much hassle and just close the case. This frustrates SAPS in their efforts and makes it impossible to secure convictions. And then what do you think happens next? That same perpetrator gets another chance to go out and repeat-offend. So you are unwittingly aiding that criminal to stay on the streets and engage in his/her unlawful deeds.
The system may not be perfect but be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Interested in becoming an OWLS Patroller?
If you are interested in joining the Patrols group, please contact us. We welcome any new Patrollers!