An Improvement District thrives on strong partnerships in an active community. Muizenberg Community Safety Initiative (MCSI) is one of our key public safety partners. Originally conceived as “more than a neighbourhood watch” MCSI offers the community a variety of ways to benefit, and get involved in building a safer community, including:
WhatsApp Alerts:
- Members can send and receive immediate alerts on security incidents in the neighbourhood – this triggers other members nearby to step out and offer assistance when required, sometimes even in the small hours of the morning!
Neighbourhood cleanups:
- We all know about the broken window theory – cleaning up the neighbourhood is a very real way to enhance security: a number of successful railway and beach cleanups have already been held, and members also keep an eye out for issues like graffiti tagging so that it can be addressed quickly
Recycling initiative:
- Recycling is not only good for the environment, it has an added security benefit – it reduces the number of bin pickers in the neighbourhood by removing most of the items that they would look for in your refuse on bin day. There are a couple of drop-off points offered in the Village currently on a Tuesday.
Infrastructure checks:
- Twice a year, members check their streets and inventory all the issues that council needs to fix including potholes, missing drain covers, missing street signs, street lights out and so on. This complements a similar inventory that MID performs twice a year. Together we can help ensure the City keeps up with maintenance in our area!
Neighbourhood patrols:
- Residents patrolling their neighbourhood has been proven effective in reducing crime, and patrols are scheduled regularly each week. But MCSI also recognizes that fixed patrols may not work for everyone, so there are a variety of creative options – including a jogging moms patrol group and a dog-walkers patrol group. It’s all about getting out there and being visible at a time that suits the individual.
Camera network:
- A camera monitoring network is being established to complement patrol activities – MID has contributed to the initial setup costs to bolster capabilities in this area
MCSI is also very active in responding to specific issues and mobilizing the community around them – for example in 2016 they successfully secured a property in Alexander Road that had been abandoned, preventing illegal occupants from moving in; and this year they are tackling the issue of an increase of vagrants in the area and the security implications that brings.
MCSI works closely with MID Public Safety, Law Enforcement and SAPS. Patrollers are in touch with the MID public safety patrollers while patrolling and call upon them for backup when necessary. GRIT Security Services is also linked into the WhatsApp alerts group for a quick response to member alerts. And some successful joint operations have also been run recently, with more in the pipeline.
Join MCSI to benefit AND contribute to Muizenberg’s safety: visit http://www.mcsi.org.za/ for all the details.