BNW was started in 2002.

At that time there were a number of bin- scratchers in the area on bin day. We also noticed that petty crime increased on bin day. 

Most of the residents at home during the day were pensioners and there was concern for their safety.

Some of us with older parents at home felt we needed to establish a neighborhood watch. 

We approached, Mr Engel, a retired school principal with administrative expertise to assist with the setting up of a N/Watch.

We set up a number of community meetings. These were held at Belthorn Primary School and were attended by 60 to 70 people. The Lansdowne CPF and Lansdowne SAPS attended these meetings as well. An Executive was chosen with Mr Engel as chairperson. A Constitution was developed. The boundaries were established as Lawson and Belgravia Roads and Jan Smuts up to the Turfhall sports ground. The Watch was officially registered with the Department of Community Safety in 2002. 

Patrols took place early evenings from 9 to 11. By about 12 patrollers at a time on foot and in the mornings between 9 and 12 by a team of about 8 pensioners on bicycles. The average age of these bicycle patrollers was about 70 years.

Over the years the number of registered members dwindled with many of the older members passing on and day patrols coming to an end and night patrols taking place intermittently. A few dedicated members continued to keep the Watch going despite the difficulties in recruiting new members.

The Watch was initially funded by voluntary donations from residents and later on by an annual dance or karaoke.

So, although the Watch had funds, the number of patrollers meant that the funds were not optimally utilised for security and remained in the Watch’s bank account.

Two years ago there was a renewed drive for the recruitment of younger members with new enthusiasm to sustain the Watch and take it forward. BNW now fosters relationships with neighbouring Neighbourhood Watches and local security companies to bolster the patrols taking place.

To serve the community through addressing its safety concerns and implementing proactive safety practices. 

In conjunction with residents, we aim to build a safe neighbourhood free from crime, harassment and harm. 

To work with the South African Police Services and Community Police Forum to safeguard the community against criminal activities and strive for a safe and secure environment.

Foster working relationships with surrounding formal neighbourhood watch structures to serve the greater community.

‘We’re in this together’

We live in a quaint neighbourhood, with many having grown up in the area and being second generation home owners. As residents we have a duty to keep our area safe so that we may live and move about without fear. 

A group of elderly residents established the Belthorn Neighbourhood Watch in 2002, comparison of several pensioners, 

We owe a debt of gratitude to … for taking this initiative. 

While the volunteers change, we continue to serve the community with voluntary members, in administrative and active patroller roles.

We achieve our objectives through the following mechanisms

• Night time patrols
• Continuous reviewing our Zello network and how we utilise it
• Building relationships with Community Policing Forum, South African Police Services, neighbouring Neighbourhood Watches, local security companies servicing the area, particularly Shaza Security and BlackOps Security

We need our community involved, and there are many ways that you can do so, if you’re home during the day and want to assist during daylight hours, walking dogs in the area, work from home, you can get involved with keeping our neighbourhood safe

Contact us!

We are here to be the eyes and ears for SAPS, we can report suspicious activity and support SAPS in reducing criminal activity in our area. Please go to the membership page and sign up so we can watch out for each other. You can make a difference!