There are a few cameras operating in the CBD; some have been in existence for many years and need upgrading or repair and some are proposed. There is a need for additional cameras to be installed at strategic locations to improve existing coverage these additional locations are based on crime statistics.
Cameras from the surrounding residential areas are well supported by the relevant residents’ associations who pay a small annual fee to service and monitor existing cameras in addition to adding more cameras to increase surveillance.
It is imperative for the safety and security of the town to augment the efforts of the residential cameras with cameras in the lower CBD area to more effectively apprehend offenders.
Any community CCTV project must consist of three parts to be successful:
- Each business or home should have its own CCTV camera network, these cameras record the offender committing the crime.
- Community CCTV cameras are then used to track the offender from the scene of the crime to their destination.
- Camera monitoring provided by the security company facilitates the capture of the offenders through communication between the business where the crime occurred and the security officers on the ground searching for the offender.
So, while a community camera may not specifically be located at your premises, being part of the community CCTV network means that the offender who committed the crime on your premises has a greater chance of being apprehended.
The cost to repair or replace the current cameras and install new cameras at the proposed locations is broken down as follows:
| Location | Description | Cost |
| Main & Long Intersection | Replace | R15 013.64 |
| Gray & Rawson Intersection | New | R12 794.27 |
| Gray & Nelson Intersection | New | R14 566.83 |
| Memorial & Main Intersection | Replace | R11 648.27 |
| Main & Gray Intersection | Refurbish | R 3 465.13 |
| Long Street at Railway | New | R14 566.83 |
| Total Investment Required | R72 054.96 | |
CAPEX Funds collected: R15 000 (R5000 from KIG and R10000 from Greater Knysna Business Chamber).
CAPEX Funds still required: R57 054.96
We are appealing to business and residents in the lower CBD area to contribute to this project to improve on the efforts already in place.
If 100 residents and business could each contribute R50 per month or R600 per annum to this project there would be sufficient funding to cover the ongoing monitoring, maintenance and surveillance requirements.
Should our fundraising efforts for the CAPEX portion of this project exceed the initial amount required now or in the future, more cameras will be placed at additional locations.
The CBD affects everyone who lives in Knysna.
This initiative will be run by the Greater Knysna Business Chamber. Donations and debit orders can be made to the Greater Knysna Business Chamber’s account. For business, an invoice can be sent to you for the amount you wish to donate. For those of you who would like to join on a monthly or annual basis, debit order facilities are available through the Greater Knysna Business Chamber. Please reference your contribution as CCTV.
Bank account: Greater Knysna Business Chamber
Standard Bank, Knysna
Account Number 281965862
Bank code 050314
Bank code electronic payments 051001
To support this initiative or for more detailed information, please send an email to info@gkbc.co.za or contact Christo Lombaard 0845574302
