HERMANUS PUBLIC PROTECTION
NEWSLETTER
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
JULY 2026
In this edition:
- 2025 / 2026 Year in Review | Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Progress
- Annual Satisfaction Survey | Tell Us How We Are Doing
- Good News Stories | HPP Officers and CCTV Team Assist in Six Arrests During July
- Meet the HPP Board | Meet Chairperson Leon Rauch
2025 / 2026 Year in Review
The 2025 / 2026 financial year was one of growth, investment and operational progress for Hermanus Public Protection (HPP).
The year began with the successful conclusion of HPP’s procurement process, securing experienced service providers to continue delivering public safety, CCTV monitoring, surveillance network maintenance and supplementary cleansing services for the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA) over the next five years.
One of the year’s most significant milestones was the relocation of HPP’s Control Centre to larger, purpose-designed premises. The new facility has strengthened HPP’s operational capability and provides the capacity to support the continued expansion of the surveillance network and future technological developments.
Throughout the year, the surveillance network continued to grow, with further investment in camera infrastructure and technology to enhance situational awareness and support the early detection of incidents.
Combined with 24-hour camera monitoring and visible patrols, these improvements continue to strengthen HPP’s proactive approach to public safety.
HPP personnel responded to over five thousand incidents during the year, working closely with SAPS, Overstrand Municipality, Traffic Services, Law Enforcement, emergency services, neighbourhood watch groups and private security companies. This collaborative approach remains fundamental to ensuring that incidents are responded to quickly and effectively.
In addition to its public safety mandate, HPP’s supplementary cleansing teams continued their daily work maintaining the Cliff Path, Hoy’s Koppie and other public spaces within the HSRA, helping to preserve the high standard of the public environment that residents and visitors have come to expect.
While reflecting on the past year, HPP also looks ahead. As public safety challenges continue to evolve, HPP remains committed to investing in technology, strengthening partnerships and delivering effective, professional services that contribute to a safer, cleaner and healthier Hermanus.
We thank the HSRA property owners for their continued support, together with our Board of Directors, service providers and partner agencies, whose ongoing commitment makes these achievements possible.
How Are We Doing?
We value your feedback. If you are a HSRA property owner or resident, business operator or visitor please take a few minutes to complete our Annual Satisfaction Survey. Your feedback on HPP’s services over the past financial year helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. Simply click the SurveyMonkey link to participate.
Working Together to Keep Hermanus Safe
1 JULY to 31 JULY 2026
Reports Received
363
Arrests
9
Waste Collected (KGs)
1200
Proactive Patrols and CCTV Deliver Results
Whether responding to incidents on the ground or tracking suspicious activity through HPP’s CCTV network, July once again demonstrated the value of a coordinated public safety approach.
Throughout the month, HPP Public Safety Officers and CCTV operators worked closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to detect crime in progress, locate suspects and recover stolen property.
In one incident, a vigilant HPP officer witnessed a robbery unfolding and immediately intervened, detaining two suspects until SAPS arrived. In another, an HPP CCTV operator identified a suspect entering a property that had recently been targeted. Responding officers were guided directly to the suspect, who was located hiding in nearby bushes with housebreaking implements in his possession.
The CCTV network also played a key role in identifying two suspects transporting approximately 100 abalone through Westcliff, leading to their arrest, while visible patrols in the CBD resulted in suspects being apprehended following alleged shoplifting and theft incidents. In another coordinated operation, CCTV operators tracked a group behaving suspiciously between several retail stores before alerting officers on the ground. The suspects were intercepted with SAPS assistance and stolen merchandise was recovered.
These incidents are examples of how HPP’s integrated public safety model combines highly visible patrols, advanced CCTV monitoring and close cooperation with SAPS to detect suspicious behaviour early, respond rapidly and support successful law enforcement operations. Every patrol, every camera and every coordinated response contributes to making the HSRA a safer place for residents, businesses and visitors.
Meet the Team | HPP Board Chairperson - Leon Rauch
The Hermanus Public Protection Board of Directors provides the strategic leadership and governance that underpins the organisation’s success. Serving in a voluntary capacity, Board members bring a wealth of professional experience and a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing the Hermanus community. We begin our series by introducing HPP Chairperson, Leon Rauch.
Being Chairperson of a publicly funded organisation requires the highest level of integrity and the strongest moral principles. HPP is fortunate to have the quietly unassuming Leon Rauch in this voluntary role.
Leon was handed the baton at the 2025 AGM after serving as Finance Director for the previous three years. He inherited a thriving and respected organisation, built through dynamic teamwork and carefully monitored budgeting.
“I’m not a man who seeks the limelight, preferring to stay in the background and keep a light hand on the rudder,” he admits modestly. “But I am proud of the achievements of our Special Rating Area and truly believe that Hermanus Public Protection is seen as a success story.”
Leon relocated to Hermanus ten years ago after a life and career in Gauteng. He was a corporate finance professional specialising in investments and acquisitions.
“I appear to have an inherited understanding of figures and can interpret balance sheets and calculate business valuations.”
He joined HPP in its early days because, “I wanted to give something back to the community while providing an opportunity to keep my mind active and use my experience.”
Leon made an indispensable contribution to HPP’s long-overdue move to its larger, purpose designed administration offices and control room, providing valuable support and guidance throughout the planning and implementation of the project. Following his appointment as Chairperson, he officiated at the official opening of the new facility in November 2025.
The opening was attended by the Mayor, councillors, numerous officials from the Overstrand Municipality and senior SAPS officers, with whom HPP works closely.
“Our presence and visibility in the community is obvious and HPP contributes greatly to the prevention of crime and, in many instances, to solving crime,” explained Leon. “I am delighted to be supported by an active Board and a dedicated team of professionals.”
Of course, this comes at a cost, which is funded through the Hermanus Special Rating Area and is carefully managed through sound governance and prudent financial oversight.
Away from the world of work and finance, Leon is never happier than spending time with his family of two married children and four grandchildren.
“I really don’t enjoy travelling much, but it’s necessary when the family is spread across different places,” he confides. His leisure time is spent mostly on the golf course.
He is clearly passionate about the important things in life, has a keen social conscience and a quiet sense of purpose that guides his commitment to serving the Hermanus community.
That is all for this edition. With your support, we will continue to protect what makes Hermanus such a special place to live and visit.
Leon Rauch
HPP Chair
Stay Connected. Stay Safe with HPP.
Stay informed and connected by joining the HPP WhatsApp group. This is where we share our monthly newsletter, practical safety tips, and occasional important public safety updates. It’s a simple way to stay aware of what’s happening in the area and how you can play a part in keeping our community safe.
This is an information-only group. No emergency reporting or general chat.
For emergencies, contact HPP Control Room: 087 550 5295.
