During the 2010 December holidays a handful of individuals decided to revive the Hout Bay Heights neighbourhood watch. Initially, only a few streets in the area were patrolled by these volunteers. A number of well-attended meetings were held and the interest grew. Some 30 households subsequently joined the HBNW and the number is growing. This has led to a substantial reduction in burglaries in the area.
Many new members have been signed up and a formal patrol roster has been compiled, which is gaining support from the entire community.
Since the revival of the neighbourhood watch in The Heights, regular meetings have been held where various incidents and strategies are discussed. At a recent meeting it was decided to implement the following:
The establishment of street committees that will co-ordinate security in each street.
The appointment of street captains.
The procurement of radios for each street.
The hope is that these structures will have the desired effect of encouraging more and more people in the area to join neighbourhood watch and enjoy the benefits of a safer and more secure suburb.