Security Initiative Bears Fruit

The private security initiative along Huguenot and Main Streets that was launched in November 2022 is showing the desired results, according to an update issued by Franschhoek Wine Valley (FWV) in early January 2023.

Since the start of the initiative there has been little to no harassing of residents and visitors by street kids and illegal car guards. General crime along Huguenot St has also been reduced. (?)

An operational meeting in late December 2022 was attended by senior representatives of Dogs & All, CSG Security and Pepler Alarms. Security stakeholders Kurt Maske, Ashley Bauer and Pat Jacobs (project coordinator) were also present. The meeting resolved to ensure that the initiative is successful and to this end agreed the some operational changes:

Due to the increased daytime temperature the guards will now wear their red reflector jackets only at night;

Day-time attire is brown pants, a dark blue golf shirt, and red cap;

The main street remains zoned into 4 patrol areas with each guard responsible for their designated area; and The patrol area now starts at the Berg Street intersection and extends to the Uitkyk Street intersection. Guards’ activities are monitored to ensure compliance with the security protocol and, in addition to incident reports, guards have to report to the Pepler Alarms control room every hour.

In mid-January there was only funding available to continue the initiative until mid-March. The aim is to continue until the end of April. FWV is appealing to residents and businesses that haven’t contributed to please do so, as the success of the initiative is proven and free-loading is not fair to those who have contributed.

Business owners and the public are requested to please report any security concerns in the patrol area to the Pepler Alarms control room by calling 021 876 3329 or sending a WhatsApp to 079 389 5516. For more information, or to contribute, please contact Pat Jacobs on 073 535 0007.

Text: Editorial Desk