26/05/2022
Welcome to the Kensington Street Level CCTV Community Initiative Group.
Chirandu Blessing,
Sianne Barry Thomaides,
Farouk Akoo
A Brief Introduction
The Kensington Street Level Initiative is a surveillance platform created and funded by residents, designed to focus on reducing crime by using high-end CCTV equipment.
Street Level is not a security company but an information company.
Using our own independent infrastructure, these cameras connect to a digital nervous system that utilises artificial intelligence to identify possible threats, and then thereafter theses alerts are forwarded to specific alert group using a social media platform. This group is comprised by committed residents and some key players in the security providers arena. The alerts group can then establish whether the specific alert poses a threat or not. This service eliminates the requirement of monitoring cameras and the patrolling of an area. This also increases the efficiency of resources for security providers.
Residents also have the option to access cameras using their cellphones, iPads etc. This gives residents the ability to be able to view the street from within their home. They will further be able to have access to this service when not in the vicinity of the cameras, for example, when they are on holiday or at work.
Successes and Benefits
Four years ago, a proof of concept was created with the assistance of the residents to protect a portion of Royal Oak and Nottingham Roads in Kensington. Prior to installation of the cameras, this area was experiencing 3 to 4 crime related incidents every week. At present, we can confirm that this number has now dropped to 1 incident per year. The incident in question related to the theft of a gate motor, which has subsequently been replaced and includes a locking bracket that was not installed before.
Together with the assistance of a security provider, this solution has led to the apprehension and arrest of the infamous “Kensington Cat Burglar.”
The initiative has also assisted with a variety of issues ranging from rubbish bin theft, finding lost pets, illegal dumping and damage of property.
It has become apparent that visitors to the residents prefer to park their cars in view of the cameras as this provides them with reassurance as their vehicles are monitored by these cameras.
Some residents utilise the system as surveillance to check for possible threats prior to leaving their homes and before entering their properties.
Prior to the installation of the system, fuses were regularly stolen from the substation, leaving the entire street without electricity for hours. The substation is now protected, and a notification is immediately sent if anyone approaches the substation. Our servitude is also protected from intruders in this way.
This initiative serves as a mechanism to unite the residents. Residents feel sense of solidarity with one another and work together against criminals.
The initiative also uses ANPR (Automatic number plate recognition) cameras that connect directly to SAPS and insurance databases. Vehicles are automatically queried and flagged if they have been involved in serious crimes. This Functionality, amongst other features, enables the authorities to apprehend perpetrators in, for example, Randburg when a crime was committed in Kensington.
It is the view of residents, that security providers should not be involved with CCTV solutions, for the reason that they may withhold information that could otherwise prejudice them. This position allows for a neutral and transparent relationship between residents and security providers.
There is, however, no guarantees that a crime will not occur in a protected area. If a crime were to occur, the necessary tools are available to acquire evidence and information. This information is then given to the authorities and security providers, to enable them to pursue the matter further. Criminals are aware of this reporting structure and avoid the area at all costs. As with most crimes, the authorities have limited information and are left powerless to act, which powerlessness is alleviated by this solution.
The benefits of this initiative are numerous, but in the long term could lead to increase of property values, decrease in insurance premiums, as well as decrease in criminal activities in the area.
Residents will be privy to an advanced estate security system within their residential area, without moving to a secure estate.
Purpose of the Group
The main purpose of the group is to create awareness. The reason why not much is known about this project, is that it was in the testing phase to establish the efficiency of this solution in combating crime.
The results of the proof of concept are that it offers more than just a security solution. The time has come for this initiative to be made available to other residents in the Kensington area.
In an effort, to include all parties, we encourage you to invite your neighbours or residents within the Kensington area to join this group.
Thank you for your interest in joining this group. We will keep you updated of successes and further developments relating to this initiative.
Should you have any questions or suggestions please email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Stay safe.
