Crime Watch is committed to improving community safety by working with residents and street groups in a suburb and installing CCTV cameras. At the time of writing, we monitor 439 cameras. In areas with CCTV cameras, the crime rate is considerably lower compared to areas without cameras. We believe we can make a significant reduction in crime in streets where we are monitoring CCTV cameras. We can only install cameras on this offer, where new clients sign up to our services.

The cameras are connected to the Crime Watch SA control room, allowing us (as well as you and your CW client neighbours) to remotely monitor any suspicious activity and despatch Armed Response Officers to investigate. The presence of Armed Response often alerts the individual that they are being monitored which also acts as a crime deterrent.

The cameras installed are either Hikvision Acusense cameras, Acusense Colorvu cameras, or the latest Hikvision Acusense Colorvu Gen 2 camera, which combines both technologies. Depending on the location, a different type of camera or lens may be needed. Crime Watch will determine the most suitable option.

At the time of writing, there is no restriction in the POPI Act on using CCTV cameras to capture information or events for security purposes. However, the use of images from CCTV cameras is subject to legislation that imposes certain conditions, including transparency; data protection; retention and disposal; and minimising personal intrusion. CCTV systems must comply with these conditions to ensure they are operating in accordance with the POPI Act.

Video analytics use algorithms to turn real-time video footage into intelligent data. Simply put, this data can identify people, vehicles, or objects and send alerts based on what it detects.

Alert lines can be set within the camera, typically including:

• Line crossing: When something crosses a predefined line in the camera’s view, such as a boundary wall or fence.
• Intrusion zones: When something enters a specific area set up in the camera, which could be outside your property or along the street.

These alerts can be customized by day, time, size, and other factors, just like your alarm system notifies you or your monitoring company if someone enters your property.

When an alert is triggered, the system sends a video clip showing what caused the alert. The controller (such as Crime Watch SA’s monitoring team) can then decide if it’s a real threat and take action, like despatching armed response or contacting you. This system means the controller doesn’t have to monitor the cameras 24/7 – the cameras do the work. This method is 95-97% more effective and accurate than having a person monitor the cameras and is also more cost-effective. This type of monitoring is often called Black Screen Monitoring.

Yes, controllers’ man the CCTV network 24 hours a day. When alerts are sent through, they review the alert and determine what action is required.

Yes, controllers will regularly review each camera on the network through CCTV patrolling. Note: This assumes the camera is functioning properly, has power, is connected to the internet, and Crime Watch SA are receiving signals.

Yes, if something suspicious is seen on the camera by the controllers, Crime Watch SA will dispatch Armed Response Officers. We have been monitoring cameras successfully for many years and have a proven track record with our systems.

Yes, you will be able to view the CCTV camera by downloading a free app that allows live viewing. Additionally, you will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement and complete a Service Level Agreement (SLA).

All CCTV cameras of this type must be installed on private property. This is because it may take 18 months to 2 years to obtain planning permission for installing cameras on City of Cape Town (COCT) property.

Crime Watch SA, in collaboration with the signed-up members, will determine the best location for the camera. The location will be chosen to provide the best security coverage for the street and must be on a property with a willing owner. If there is a dispute, Crime Watch SA will make the final decision based on security needs.

The resident or homeowner who has been identified as having the most suitable property and has agreed to host the camera will need to provide an adequate power supply and internet connection. These requirements are discussed in the questions below.

Access to a power supply is required, but cameras use very little power—about the same as a 15-watt light bulb per camera. We will identify a suitable location with the homeowner's approval. In the event of loadshedding, a home with a UPS/inverter or solar power would be ideal as backup.

Internet access must be at least 30 Mbps, uncapped and unshaped. This will allow the signal to reach the Crime Watch SA control room and enable you and authorised individuals to view the camera remotely.

No, only Crime Watch SA has access to the cameras via your internet. The camera signal will then be sent via your internet to Crime Watch SA. From Crime Watch SA we redistribute the signal to all authorised users that are approved to monitor the camera via the Hik connect Application.

Crime Watch SA may need you to change your Wi-Fi router on the rare occasion that your router is not compatible. We use Mikrotik routers and firewalls.

The camera will be installed either on the wall of your property if it offers the best security view of the street or, more likely, on a galvanized pole. The pole may be attached to your boundary wall or secured in concrete next to it.

The Cat 6 cable provides both power and CCTV signals from the camera to your router. It will be professionally installed in conduit or bosal piping in locations agreed upon with the homeowner.

Up to 20 people can stream the camera simultaneously, if there are no internet issues, and all devices have active data.

In today’s security environment, multiple layers of protection are essential, as no single measure is enough on its own. CCTV serves as a strong deterrent, especially when criminals know it is actively monitored. While some may cover their faces to avoid identification, the footage can still help link them to a crime. In monitored setups, advanced analytics detect movement across the camera’s view. If any activity appears suspicious, our control room is alerted and can despatch Armed Reaction Officers to respond.

Yes, we do, and we retain the data for approximately 21 days.

No, we cannot provide direct access to CCTV recordings. We adhere to a strict code of conduct and only release footage to SAPS. If you need CCTV evidence, you must file a criminal case with SAPS. Once you receive a case number, SAPS will request the footage from Crime Watch SA, and we will provide it to them accordingly. This is standard practice, and we follow this process regularly with them.

The client must open a case with SAPS and obtain the case number that must be supplied to Crime Watch SA. If this process is completed then yes, Crime Watch SA will confirm the source of the CCTV footage in court and explain how it was stored and provided to SAPS. If an Armed Response Officer was despatched and involved in the incident, they will also testify in relation to your case.

We have found that on several occasions when the owner received their stolen goods back, that cases against the suspect are not being opened. Crime Watch SA has spent a lot of time, money and energy, with its manpower and resources to detail the criminal/ recover your possessions. If no case is opened then Crime Watch and other agencies will probably be chasing the same criminal later the same day and forever more, who may commit many more crimes. Whilst we cannot insist that a case is opened, we hope that the victim, understands that by not doing so, an opportunity to remove a criminal from the street has been missed and there will be more victims.

NB. Crimes are committed by only a few generally who specialise in that type of crime, unless opportunistic – therefore getting one serving a sentence, is likely to reduce crime considerably.

No, the CCTV cameras are solely for enhancing security in the suburb. Crime Watch SA will only release footage to SAPS as outlined, and only after a case number has been provided.

As part of our policy, once a camera is installed, we send the homeowner an image of their property. The image may show part of the resident's property covered by the camera, and we request approval to ensure this is acceptable. We electronically mask out windows, swimming pools, and any other areas the resident prefers not to be included. The control room cannot remove the masking or see masked areas. Once you approve the areas covered, the control room will be able to monitor the camera.

A minimum of five (5) new clients are required on the street to maintain each camera and CCTV monitoring service. If this number is not met, Crime Watch SA may relocate the camera to our CCTV network within the suburb. The new location will probably be based on where crime is occurring most.

Crime Watch SA will retain ownership of the cameras and equipment. 

Crime Watch SA will maintain the camera for a period of 2 years from the date of installation. After that, a maintenance charge will be agreed and added to the residents in the street. Maintenance does not include replacement of equipment valued at over R500. This would be chargeable to clients. Cameras averagely last 4 to 5 years except when located near the ocean or strong prevailing wind off the ocean.

This is indeed true, especially considering the prevailing wind direction. During the maintenance period, Crime Watch SA will be responsible for maintaining the camera and the homeowner will be responsible for cleaning the camera, and we will give advice on.

No, as the homeowner, you will always have access to the camera on your property. However, your new service provider will not have access.

Based on experience, having a monitored camera on your property can be an advantage when selling. The homeowner should make the benefits clear to the buyer. The buyer will need to agree to the same terms, and if they choose not to keep the camera, the residents and Crime Watch SA clients will need to find an alternative location for it.

The homeowner will be able to see the CCTV live footage on their cell phone, but their security provider will not be able to.

It's important to be cautious about who has access to passwords. To access a camera, a person would need physical access to your internet, the camera's IP address, the user passwords, and the camera network software.

If the 5 new clients all agree that access can be given to other Crime Watch client(s) in the street and they sign the same non-disclosure agreement, then access will be granted. 

Yes, it may be possible, but would be subject to a technical review of your cameras and their capabilities, as there are so many variables. Each situation is different, and we will discuss yours with you, following the review. Please write to info@crimewatchsa.com.

Your phone and the app are password protected, and your phone can be blocked from the system. If your phone is stolen, Crime Watch SA must be informed immediately in writing.

The camera’s security is a key consideration when choosing its location. It will be installed in a way that makes it difficult to remove. While Crime Watch SA has not had a camera stolen, it is advisable to add the camera to the homeowner's insurance policy for a small fee. If the camera gets stolen and wasn’t insured the road will be liable for the replacement cost. Furthermore, having a monitored camera may help reduce the insurance premium.

In principle, yes. However, there will be some costs involved, which Crime Watch SA will discuss with you.

The most likely cause is either a power failure, load shedding, or an internet outage at the camera's location. Additionally, your phone must have data to access the camera. If there is still any issue, please contact Crime Watch SA.

It’s difficult to give a specific answer, as it varies for everyone. It depends on how often you access the camera away from your home internet and whether you’re using your own phone data.

We use Hikvision cameras. Hikvision is the world's leading video surveillance brand. Their products are highly reliable and come with a one-year warranty. Please note that cameras are constantly evolving, and we will update the range we use as new developments are released.

Clients who subscribe to the CCTV Street Project are subject to a one-year contract with Crime Watch SA. After the first year, the contract will convert to a month-to-month basis.

At the time of writing, we cover an area within 6 kilometres of our base and have 7 vehicles permanently patrolling the suburbs, ensuring we are always close to a potential activation. With this offer, our goal is to sign up more clients to justify the addition of a permanent vehicle in Milnerton Central.

No, it does not need to be changed generally. We can integrate the majority of alarm systems as they are. Your passwords and user details can remain the same (if you prefer). Please contact our sales team, and they will be happy to assist you. 

Crime Watch SA’s annual price review takes place on the 1st of March each year.

Crime Watch SA will be able to install the camera between the 2nd and 3rd monthly service fee being paid by all 5 new clients. This is subject to stock availability.

Yes, CCTV signboards are available and are branded by Crime Watch SA to indicate that the cameras are being monitored.