General FAQ's

Security, Peace of Mind, Quality of Life

Crime Watch SA – FAQ's

At Crime Watch SA, transparency and community trust are vital to everything we do. This FAQ section is designed to address the most common queries we receive from current and prospective clients. The topics below cover general questions, contractual terms and policies, and common concerns such as animals, and trespassing. Whether you're considering switching providers, need clarity on legal noise regulations, or want to understand how we collaborate with other local security partners, you'll find the information here.

Do you work with any other Security Companies?

We currently collaborate with Star Alarms, AM Security, Knight Owl, SJC, Zone Watch, SRG Security, Securitas and Milnerton Crime Watch Trust, which means we sometimes monitor alarms for them while they handle armed response for us, and vice versa, depending on the client’s location. 

Do you have anything to do with Milnerton Crime Watch Trust?

Yes, we are both deeply passionate about reducing crime in our area. When needed, we assist each other with arrests, conduct observations and patrols, and share crime-related information to enhance community safety. Notably, unlike most armed response companies, both actively patrol their areas rather than solely responding to alarm activations – a practice rooted in their origins as Neighbourhood Watches.

The fact that you are both called Crime Watch is very confusing to customers – Why are both companies called Crime Watch?

Unfortunately, both our names include "Crime Watch," a situation that has existed since February 2010. Originally, both companies were closely affiliated and emerged from Neighbourhood Watches. More specifically, Crime Watch SA developed from Sunset Beach Neighbourhood Watch. Milnerton Crime Watch Trust was established much earlier, with Craig Pedersen playing a key role.

Where does Milnerton Crime Watch Trust operate compared to Crime Watch SA?

Milnerton Crime Watch Trust's coverage area, as stated on its website, extends from Koeberg Road to the sea and between Racecourse Road and Boundary Road in Milnerton.

Crime Watch SA covers Sunset Beach, Milnerton Ridge, Milnerton Central, Royal Ascot, Woodbridge Island, Montague Gardens, Tijgerhof, Summer Greens, Phoenix, Rugby, Brooklyn, Sanddrift, and parts of Paarden Eiland and Century City.

What are the differences between the two companies?

Beyond the areas they cover, there are several key differences between the two companies. 

Crime Watch SA

  • Fully PSIRA-compliant control room, monitoring client alarms and overseeing 439 CCTV cameras (at the time of writing) covering key areas of our suburbs.
  • Despatch centre for our armed reaction officers, who are armed at all times.
  • Installation of alarms and CCTV systems for both residential and commercial properties.
  • Fully equipped and registered armed response company.
  • Operate seven response vehicles (blue and white), three technical vehicles and two guarding vehicles.
  • Privately owned company, located on Koeberg Road (opposite Steve Auto Clinic), near Milnerton Crime Watch Trust.

PSIRA – Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority

Milnerton Crime Watch Trust

  • No in-house control room for alarm monitoring; relies on third-party services such as us, SIS, Star Alarms and other alarm monitoring companies.
  • Officers patrol, but do not currently carry weapons.
  • Does not install CCTV or alarm systems.
  • Operates three response vehicles (black and yellow) covering Milnerton Central.

I have a problem with vagrants on my property – what can Crime Watch SA do?

If a vagrant or any unauthorised person is found on your property, Crime Watch SA is authorised by you to remove them to the nearest public space. However, we are legally unable to relocate them further, as every citizen has the right to be in public areas.

If an unauthorised person has caused damage to your property or, for example, started a fire, they can be detained and taken to SAPS for charging, provided there is sufficient evidence – something our armed reaction officers are well trained to assess.

What is Crime Watch SA's policy on assisting non-clients?

We often receive calls from non-clients who expect us to respond as if they were our clients. To ensure their safety, our policy is as follows:

  • If an individual is personally at risk or in immediate danger of injury, we will respond to assist them.
  • If only their property or vehicle is at risk, we will not respond. In such cases, they should contact their own service provider or SAPS.

As a matter of policy, the Control Room Supervisor will inform the Armed Reaction Supervisor/Officer if there is a vehicle in the area, and we will investigate where possible.

Opening a Case at SAPS– FAQ's

Can a police officer refuse to open my case?

No. Under National Instruction 3 of 2011, SAPS members are required to assist complainants in opening a criminal case. Refusing to do so is a violation of this instruction and can result in disciplinary action against the officer.

What if I don't know the suspect's name — can they turn me away?

No. An officer may not refuse to open a case because you cannot identify the suspect by name. Your case must still be registered.

What if the crime didn't happen in that police station's area?

It doesn't matter. According to National Instruction 3 of 2011, complainants may never be referred to another police station, even if the crime occurred in a different station's jurisdiction. The station you visit must register your case.

Can an officer tell me my case "isn't serious enough" to register?

No. Officers are not permitted to make that judgment call as a reason to refuse opening a case. Every complaint must be registered and given immediate attention.

Can the police tell me to sort the matter out with the suspect myself?

No. Telling a complainant to resolve the matter directly with the suspect is not an acceptable reason to refuse opening a case.

What should happen when I arrive at a police station to report a crime?

The Community Service Centre (CSC) is required to treat you courteously, take a full sworn statement from you, and ensure your complaint receives immediate attention. You should not be sent away to another station.

What can I do if a SAPS member refuses to open my case?

Report it to the SAPS National Complaints Centre:

0800 333 177 (toll-free)
0860 264 487

Cluster and Station Commanders are obligated to ensure any member who doesn't comply with National Instruction 3 of 2011 faces disciplinary action.

What is National Instruction 3 of 2011?

It is a SAPS directive that requires any member who receives a complaint to interview the complainant, determine whether the complaint meets the requirements of the specific offence, and register the case. It explicitly prohibits referring complainants to other stations or refusing to assist.

What's the most important thing to remember when dealing with the police?

Know your rights. Do not walk away from a police station without your case being registered. If an officer refuses, get their name and service number and contact the SAPS National Complaints Centre immediately.

Our Services

At Crime Watch SA, we offer a comprehensive range of professional security services tailored to meet the unique needs of our communities. Our core offerings include Armed Response, Guarding Services, and expert Alarm and CCTV Installation & Monitoring. We are committed to keeping your home, business, and neighbourhood safe.

Join The Milnerton Central Camera Project

Help us make Milnerton safer—one camera at a time. By joining the Milnerton Central Camera Project, you contribute to a powerful, community-driven surveillance network that deters crime, supports law enforcement, and protects our neighborhoods. Together, we can keep an eye on what matters most.