This morning (just before 5am) I had reason to contact your patrol vehicle because of a suspected intruder on my property.

I would like to commend you and your patrolman, on the rapid response to my call . He was at my gate together with two members of SAPS within 10 minutes and proceeded to check my property for any intruders.

It is comforting to know that there is help “out there” when help is needed.

Dave Watling

This is to let you know that I was very impressed with the response I received after calling the Helderberg Crime Watch.

Late Sunday night at 10:30 my wife noticed what she originally thought was a large bag in the bushes outside our property. She called me to investigate and I found a person, dressed totally in black, hiding in the bushes. I shone the torch on him and instructed him to sit and wait for the response vehicle. This did not seem to be a good idea to him, and he ran. I chased him (at a suitable distance) while I was on the phone to the HCW vehicle instructing them of his location. Within the time that it took us to run two blocks, two vehicles had cut off his escape and he was apprehended by the officers. A third vehicle subsequently arrived a short time after. They contacted the SAPS who arrived a few minutes later (again two vehicles) and the individual was taken to the station to be finger printed. Although this was not a serious incident (the officers had no way of knowing this) they reacted as if it was. I wish to thank HCW for the very rapid response and the friendly and the professional manner Armstrong and the other officers conducted themselves.

G Smith

Naand HCW

Willie ek wil vir julle dankie sę vir die gereelde patroliies of sigbaarheid van voertuie die laaste week in Dxxxxxxxxstraat na verlede Maandag se episode met die diefstal in my motorhuis. Ek het nou net (21:55) vir Joseph van die patrolie by ons "doodloop" gesien stop. Hy sit gereeld sy kaartjies van besoeke in ons posbusse. Ek hom so pas deur die kamervenster gegroet en bedank. Hy is gereeld in ons straat en altyd vriendelik en "oop vir bespreking" of sommer net 'n geselsie.

Nogmaals dankie en dit word deur die hele straat waardeer.

Sakkie Viljoen
Heldervue

In my capacity as chairman of the Helderberg Residents´ Action Association, I am always favoured with an e-mail copy of your regular Crime Alert! It is an impressive and sobering report.

The work done by HCW is truly impressive. During the last year, through the HRAA and the Ward Forum (84), I have come to realize how thorough and vital it is. I believe that many people are unaware of the real value of your organization and of the effort that is invested in it.

Peter Ford
Helderberg Residents´ Action Association

On Thursday evening my daughter's bakkie broke down by the Steynrust bridge and my husband had to fetch her. I phoned Helderberg Crime Watch to ask if they could keep an eye on it for her as the vehicle could only be pushed onto the gravel parking area and had to be left overnight. I got a delightful lady, Anna if I remember correctly, and she was very cheerful and helpful. Apparently your patrol had already phoned in to report the bakkie abandoned on the bridge and they were going to phone the police to trace the owner. It was so reassuring to know that you were around and noticing what was going on in the Somerset West area. Anna promised to ask your patrol to keep an eye on the bakkie during the night and the next morning when the garage fetched it there were no problems.

A big thank you to your staff and patrol for being around and so willing to help. We have had nothing but polite helpfulness and co-operation whenever we have phoned with a query or request. I only wish more people would join Helderberg Crime Watch, especially Pienaar Street! One of the arguments I regularly have with people is that they belong to a response alarm service and why should they double up. Obviously they do not realise there is a difference between a response service and a proactive service.

Heather Glover

I would like to thank the Helderberg Crime Watch for their excellent service and assistance in reducing crime in the areas they operate in. They are always willing to do extra patrols past your house should you request them, and the presence of their patrol cars is most definitely a deterrent to would be criminals.

Membership is most affordable, particularly as it reduces household insurance premiums, and I urge people to join and to enjoy the benefits of a safer neighbourhood through the efforts of others. Membership also gives you the added benefit of a direct number to phone, much like the old idea of the bobby on the beat.

Thank you to all the staff for your efforts.

Kay Daneel

Ek wil graag namens myself, die bestuur, die Inwoners en veral die nagpersoneel baie baie dankie se dat julle so vinnig gereageer het op Saterdag 14 April toe die nagpersoneel vir u geskakel het, dat hulle iemand by die huis gewaar het.

Dit is maar vir hulle moeilik so snags alleen terwyl alle inwoners slaap. Die verantwoordelikheid is groot.

Baie dank, ek waardeer dit opreg.

J Meyer

I just want to say another big thank you to the officers on duty on Monday 22nd January who came to my assistance when my cellphone was stolen. I am very aware that if it wasn't for the quick response from Helderberg Crime Watch I would not be so lucky as to have got my phone back! It is the first time I've required help and it is very reassuring to know that your service is so efficient.

Thanks again to all for their help and patience.

Frances Hosking