HPP Progress Report – December 2020
Dear HSRA Property Owner,
What a year it has been! I am sure that many will be happy to say goodbye to 2020.
Since this will be our last update for the year, I quickly want to bring you up to speed with HPP happenings before the festive season commences.
Hermanus CBD Public Safety Initiative – Festive Season
The initiative has three objectives:
- Rid the Old Town and cliff path of criminal elements
- Create a safe and nuisance-free environment for residents, business owners and visitors
- Provide direct support to businesses (e.g., restaurants) who may call for support.
The initiative involves the combined effort of SAPS, Municipal Law Enforcement, HPP, neighbourhood watch groups and private security companies. It will commence on Friday, 11 December 2020 and remain in force until 25 January 2021.
During this period, you may expect high visibility of the various law enforcement agencies, the aim of which is to prevent crime and to provide rapid response when required. There will be 24|7 coverage of the CBD by the various entities during the entire period.
The cliff path and Hoys Koppie will be patrolled from 05h30 in the morning until 20h00 at night. Since night-time is usually problematic, law enforcement teams will patrol the CBD from 16h00 through to 02h00 (in addition to their day shifts).
In case of an emergency in public open space, please dial 087 550 5295. This number will connect you with HPP’s control centre. Depending on the nature of your call, you will be connected with the relevant agency. Please save this number on your mobile phone.
CCTV Expansion Project
Currently HPP has several PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) and Vari-Focal static cameras installed across the Hermanus CBD and adjacent areas. These cameras, which are being monitored by multiple operators working at our Control Centre, are highly effective in viewing the area, responding to incidents, or pre-empting possible action.
Given the need for additional surveillance capability, HPP has embarked on an infrastructure expansion project. During the next 6 months fifteen (15) additional cameras with automatic number plate recognition capability will be installed all along the R43 (or Main Street) from the entrance to Voelklip up to the robots at the Engen Garage (intersection R43 and Hemel and Aarde Valley).
These strategically located cameras will allow us to track and monitor the movement of suspect vehicles. The installation will start at 17th Avenue (Voelklip) and progress in a westerly direction.
In addition, mountain cameras will be installed to provide coverage of Voelklip. Given the range it must cover, the Voelklip cameras would have to be of high quality.
HPP Reporting
As from this month, you will receive a monthly report (via e-mail or WhatsApp) that provides a visual overview of HPP activity during the preceding month.
In addition, we shall continue to send brief WhatsApp messages when necessary.
WhatsApp Messaging Service
In terms of the new POPI Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2020, we may not simply add your mobile number to a WhatsApp group without your permission.
If you are currently NOT receiving WhatsApp messages from HPP, but are keen to receive them, please do ONE of the following:
- Send a WhatsApp-message to the following number: 076 759 8664
- Send an e-mail to manager@hpp.org.za
Important
Your message must contain the following information:
- Your name and surname
- ERF-number
- Mobile number.
You may register more than one number per ERF and opt out at any stage. You also have the choice of muting messages if you do not wish to be disturbed. However, if you want to be informed of what is happening within the HSRA and with HPP, it might be wise to subscribe to this messaging service.
As stated before, we shall not disclose your details to a third party other than the Overstrand Municipality.
Meetings
HPP held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 5 November in the Municipal Auditorium. Given COVID-regulations, the number of attendees was restricted. The minutes of this meeting are available on the HPP website (www.hpp.org.za).
The new HPP Board, elected at the AGM, held its first formal meeting on 9 December 2020.
HPP Launch
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to host an official launch. So, pivoting with the times, we commissioned a video that showcases the HPP service. You can view the video below.
COVID Compliance
We kindly request all residents and visitors to comply with the required safety and health protocols. When walking on the cliff path, please do not take offence when an HPP-patroller asks you to wear your mask when you are near others. They have been instructed to do so.
Friendly Reminder
Please remember to notify HPP when:
- Your e-mail address changes
- Your mobile number changes
- You sell your property
- You buy another property within the boundaries of the HSRA.
You can do the above by sending an e-mail to manager@hpp.org.za
Wishes
In closing, the HPP Board would like to thank you for your support during the past year. If you were to travel, we hope that you will get to your destination safely. Above all, enjoy the time with your loved ones.
Until next time, kind regards.
Errol van Staden
HPP-Chair