AGENDA FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING - Wed 10th Feb
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GREATER GLENCAIRN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
AGENDA FOR MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE PHOENIX HALL
19.30 pm ON WEDNESDAY 10th February 2010
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Agenda Point |
Time allotted
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1 |
Welcome, Apologies and Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 13th January 2010. Correction to Minutes of 9th Dec 2009. |
5 min |
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2 |
Report from SAPS – Inspector Nick Spreeth |
10 min |
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3
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Reports from local Security Companies
c. ADT |
5 min |
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4.
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Crime data Sheets and Report back from Neighbourhood Watches a. Glencairn Residents’ feedback. b. Glencairn Heights including Glen Ridge, Glen Beach Resident’s feedback. c. Glenroad Residents’ feedback. d. Neptune’s Close – Resident’s feedback. e. Old Glencairn including Glen Marine and Cairnside Resident’s feedback. New Coordinator required. f. Welcome Glen Resident’s feedback g. Outdoor Network Feedback. |
5 min |
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5. |
Matters Arising a. Feedback on patrol car incl. radio license fee, Chubb Contract queries, progress on pledges, wrong perceptions (Manu Choudree) b. Feedback and Update on Erf 60 – Docket and development c. Feedback on empty rum bottles along GH fire break d. Proposed new Watches in Glen Marine and Bay View Heights
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15 min
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6 |
Topic of Interest: Mandate for Fire Fighting Sub Committee – Ken Finlay. |
15min |
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7 |
Any other Business a. Spar gift Voucher Raffle – redeemable only at Glencairn Heights Branch b. Future Topics of Interest: Phoebe in March, request for suggestions from the floor c. First Aid training – put back to March meeting d. Possible change to day of the week and time for meetings e. Theft of wheelie bins |
5 min
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8.. |
Date of next meeting: Wednesday, 10th March 2010 at 7.30pm (Notice at Spar). |
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Contact the Secretary on:
021 782 2296
072 368 7571
Dates for meetings in 2010 for your diary:
14th April
12th May
9th June
14th July
11th August
8th September
13th October
10th November
8th December
SHARKS : INCREASED ACTIVITY
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CITY OF CAPE TOWN
MEDIA RELEASE
04 FEBRUARY 2010
City warns beach users of high shark activity
The City of Cape Town would like to warn beach users of high shark activity on the False Bay coast observed during the past few days, especially at Fish Hoek, St. James and Muizenberg beaches. This increased shark activity is most likely the result of high biological activity in the Bay, such as the presence of seals and schools of Yellowtail.
On beaches monitored by the Shark Spotters, the normal shark warning flags will be used. However, the public should note that in addition to these flags, a red flag will be flown throughout the day. This red flag serves as a warning of increased sightings of sharks in False Bay.
The City urges the public to be cautious and mindful of safety warnings. If shark warnings are sounded, they should leave the water immediately and not return to it until the Shark Spotters have indicated that it is safe to do so. In addition, the public is encouraged to:
• Ensure that they swim in groups;
• Ensure that they are visible to other people;
• Refrain from swimming when there are marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals) in the area;
• Refrain from swimming when a marine mammal or carcass has washed out on the beach;
• Refrain from swimming when there is a stranded marine mammal in the area.
Gert Bam, Director of Sport, Recreation and Amenities, encourages the public to acquaint themselves with the warning signals issued by the Shark Spotters when arriving at the beach. “The public should make a point of reading information signage provided on the beach and familiarising themselves with the colour-coded flags; they can enquire with a Shark Spotter based at the beach if necessary,” he said.
Shark Spotter flags indicate the following:
Green Flag: A Shark Spotter is on duty and visibility is good. There are no sharks in the area.
Red Flag: A shark has been spotted in the area in the last two hours.
Black Flag: A Shark Spotter is on duty but visibility is poor.
White Flag with black shark: There is a shark in the area. A siren is simultaneously sounded to clear the beach. Swimmers must stay out of the water until the flag is lowered.
If there is no flag then there are no shark spotters on duty.
In an emergency, the public should please dial 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone.
“We urge the public to always read the signage and familiarise themselves with the flag system at Cape Town’s beaches. In this way they can relax and enjoy themselves at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” said Bam.
ANOTHER BURGLARY - 72 Clan Stewart Rd - Friday 29th Jan
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Dear Geoff Just for the continuing burglary record. Our house was burgled on Friday 29 Jan. At about 13.45 PM. Took the same stuff as the Phoenix Rd. Sounds like it was the same group that had been monitoring all the houses around us all day. I saw a couple of youngsters milling around with backpacks during the morning and reading the emails so did a few other residents. Regards John Souter |
Fire Season - Tip No 1
Make your house safe from wind blown embers and sparks
In the case of a runaway wildfire, houses are not usually set on fire simply from the heat of the fire.
It is the wind blown embers and sparks gaining entry through open windows, air vents and small gaps between roof sheeting and walls or through openings in the eaves ceiling board that are the main danger to your home. It is always a good idea to put fine mesh over any vents and seal off all gaps under the eaves. Remember the risk is just as great after the main fire has passed, as sparks and embers are still thrown around by the wind from secondary fires or smouldering brush.
If you ever have to evacuate in the face of a fire - make sure all windows and doors are closed, but do not lock gates and doors as firemen may need to gain entry. Closing internal doors and windows before you leave can slow the spread of a fire, should it get into your house
If you visit the Cape of Fire (COF) website you will find more useful advice for making your home safe and there is also a section for assessing your personal fire risk - just click on the following link.
> > > > GO TO CAPE OF FIRE WEBSITE
Regards
Steve
Glencairn Fire Committee.
Scam Warning - For House Lets
Dear Neighbour,
FYI
Regards
Geoff
Hi Geoff/Ian
I advertise an apartment on the highly reputable ¨Capestay? website.
I received a ¨normal? booking enquiry from a ¨Frank Bolton? and I responded.(See attached emails)
The obvious attached ¨Scam? response speaks for itself. It is a very crude scam attempt?..even to the point of being amusing (newly ordained priests?).
I passed it on to SAPS Simonstown for their info.
Guest House Owners ??Beware?..they are out there all the time.
Regards
Dennis Higgs
From: Bolton Frank [mailto:boltonfrank77@yahoo.com.hk]
Sent: 30 January 2010 05:39 PM
To: ikapa Booking
Subject: RE:Payment Arrangement
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Hello, I also hope the stay of the delegates will be made comfortable. Please send their rooms allocation as soon as possible. |
Illegal Dumping
Hi Julie,
Geoff copied me on your email
Suggest you speak to owners – if no joy then contact City at number below
Regards
Steve
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SOLID WASTE (Illegal dumping, wheelie bins, cleansing, extra cleaning) |
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Postal address: |
PO Box 298, Cape Town, 8000 |
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Telephone: |
0860 103 089 |
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Fax: |
0860 103 090/021 400 4302 |
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E-mail: |
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Website: |
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—–Original Message—–
From: Geoff Neden [mailto:gneden@googlemail.com]
Sent: 30 January 2010 01:11 PM
To: ‘Mike Geddes’
Cc: Cilla Bromley; africoe@iafrica.com; aliet.pelt@snowisp.com
Subject: RE: dumping of garden cuttings and rubbish
Dear Julie,
I don’t feel that this is a Neighbourhood Watch issue.
I suggest you take it up with Cilla Bromley (environment) and Steve Coe (fire risk). Also possibly Law Enforcement. Have you spoken to the house owners?
Regards
Geoff
From: Mike Geddes [mailto:mikejg@cybersmart.co.za]
Sent: 30 January 2010 09:14
To: gneden@googlemail.com
Subject: dumping of garden cuttings and rubbish
Dear Geoff,
Since I moved to Glencairn Heights I have observed our neighbour’s garden man regularly dumping all the garden cutting and any other for of rubbish that he needed to clear from the property over the property wall into the open mountain side. The rubbish pit has in the past been substantial and the contents ranged from any form of plastic, paper, childrens broken toys to disused wood with rusty nails in it.
When the ”Fire Clearing Team’ cleared the fire breaks in December 2009 I stood and observed the procedure whilst walking my dogs. I witnessed one of the women working on the team stand on a wooden plank which was covered with garden cutting from the property in question. The wood had a number of large rusty nail protruding from it, resulting in the women being extremely badly injured (the nails went thru the show and thru her foot) she had to be rushed to hospital.
I spoke to the gardener in question this morning who told me that I did not know what I was talking about and that he had been told to dispose of the waste by the owner and that he had been doing so for the past 5 years
I am also concerned that the above dumping of waste matter is a fire hazard.
The property is No. 51 Cockburn Street, Glencairn Heights, Mr and Mrs Dave and Undree Deglon.
Julie Geddes
48 Cockburn St
082 9022003
Home Security
Dear Neighbour,
Following recent burglaries in our area, the following comments are particularly relevant
At last Tuesday’s GOCOC the SAPS expressed considerable dissatisfaction at the number of burglaries that are assisted by open windows and doors. Inspector Spreeth went so far as to state that this could be construed as constituting negligence on the part of the householder. The need for serial numbers and/or receipts for laptops was also discussed – SAPS are convinced that a lot of laptop “thefts” are in reality insurance scams, so unless the serial or receipt is forthcoming to substantiate ownership they will not confirm it as a stolen item.
Both of these issues have very serious implications with regard to validity of insurance.
People need to wake up to the fact that the responsibility for front line security is theirs, and cannot be contracted-out. As Nick Spreeth put it, “the Police are not going to go around closing people’s windows for them”.
Regarding burglaries, questions we should be asking ourselves include:-
· Was anyone in the house at the time?
· Were any doors or windows left open?
· Before the burglary, were the valuables concealed or left in open view?
· Has a domestic or contractor had access to the house and been in a position to observe the nature and location of valuables?
· How did the burglar gain access to the house interior?
· Was there a dog on the property?
· Was the alarm system armed?
· Was there any damage to the property, e.g. by use of tools to gain entry?
· Is there a discernible pattern of house occupation, i.e. by observation, could the burglar conclude that the house would normally be unattended between 11:00 and 13:00?
It is incumbent upon all of us to check for weaknesses in our security, and to act accordingly. The Neighbourhood Watch can only do so much; the first line of defence is the responsibility of the householder.
Regards
Geoff
THE FIRE SEASON IS WITH US AGAIN
GLENCAIRN BURNING IN 2001-2002 FIRE SEASON
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Photo from Argus
Dear Neighbour,
The Southeaster winds are drying out our valley and raising the risk of runaway fires. There has already been one fire at the top of Red Hill - fortunately not too serious as it was contained by an area that had recently burnt. The fire was promptly extinguished by the City’s fire brigade with the help of the Volunteer Wildfire Service (VWS). However our valley is surrounded by masses of Invasive Alien Vegetation, which poses a huge fire risk to the people of Glencairn - if a fire breaks out here and the winds are blowing strongly, the chances are that we will not be so lucky
The fire risk is increasing daily, but there are some things that you can do to make your home more fire safe. If you visit the Cape of Fire (COF) website you will find useful advice for doing just this and there is also a section for assessing your personal fire risk - just click on the following link.
> > > > GO TO CAPE OF FIRE WEBSITE
REMEMBER -
- NO OPEN FIRES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
- CLEAR ALL BUSH RIGHT AWAY FROM YOUR WALLS
- GET RID OF ALL INVASIVE ALIEN VEGETATION IN YOUR AREA
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Enemy No 1 - PORT JACKSON SEEDLING
http://www.southerncrossroads.info/community/port-jackson.php
Steve Coe
(GLENCAIRN FIRE WATCH)
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BABOON MONITOR FUNDING
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
MEDIA RELEASE
26 JANUARY 2009
Appointment of Service Provider for Baboon Management in the Cape Peninsula
The Nature Conservation Corporation were confirmed as the successful tenderer for the provision of a baboon management programme on the Cape Peninsula at a meeting of the City of Cape Town’s Bid Adjudication Committee yesterday(Monday 25 January). This is for the period 01 February – 30 June 2010.
Only two tenders were received, with that from Hlathi Security Services being declared invalid as they had not complied with the rules of the tender process.
The amount awarded was R2 149 479.16, which included VAT and a contingency of R100 000.00. It covers a range of tasks and responsibilities in relation to the employment and management of baboon monitors and other related tasks.
“I am pleased at the outcome of the tender process,” says Cllr Marian Nieuwoudt, Mayoral Committee Member for Planning and Environment. “The Nature Conservation Corporation has performed well over the past six months and there has been a marked decline in baboon/ human incidents. Their re-appointment ensures that there is continuity.”
“I am especially pleased at the technical and financial support we have received from our colleagues in National and Provincial Government, recognising that baboon management is a joint responsibility. While it is essential that baboons must be conserved to retain their role in our unique biodiversity, let us not lose sight of the value they have for the tourism industry, which in turn boosts the local economy, in addition to the social benefits of the monitoring programme, which provides employment for over 50 persons”, she added.
“While all the parties are working towards the finalisation of a Baboon Management Protocol, this is a step in the right direction to find a lasting solution for the management of baboons and human conflict. It is also essential that a policy and legal framework is compiled for the management of the areas adjacent to the mountain to prevent conflict,” she concluded.
End
More about Suspicious Man
—–Original Message—–
From: Barbara Sutton [mailto:unukaproducts@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 January 2010 04:31 PM
To: Greater-Glencairn-Valley-Neighbourhood-Watches+owner@googlegroups.com
Subject: suspect burglar glencairn heights
The suspect person reported by Lorraine, carries the same description
as one of of the burglars responsible for the break-in at my property
in
Phoenix Way. Neigbours of mine saw two African guys..one wearing blue
jeans
and a black top, And the other one black trousers and top, in Phoenix
Way
prior to the burglary.
The same two guys has been seen today by various people in the Brand
Str/
upper Clan Stewart area. They proceeded down the fire break towards
Black
Hill Rd, where they crossed and disappeared in the bushes by the vlei.
Please keep a good lookout for these two, they are seen all over
Glencairn
Heights and even go onto properties, looking through windows. I am
convinced
that they are the two responsible for ransacking my place, and they
still
have about R200 000 worth of my property. All assistance will be
appreciated
Kind Regards
Emar and Barbara