Due to the crime in town, Dr Frank van Doorn (a former chairman of YRA) and Mr Edward Brittain (current chairman) began experimenting in 2008 with a camera system that could monitor the access routes and key points in the town. Their testing system was so successful that in December 2008, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) decided that a camera system should be installed. (Among other things, they had made a video recording of a TV being loaded into a taxi).

The first camera was installed in 2009. By 2011, eleven video cameras had already been installed and another six were available.

The system had an immediate effect on combating crime. During 2011, the number of crimes in Yzerfontein amounted to only 5% of the total number of crimes in the region – 17 police stations in total.

Thanks to the success, the system has been expanded, among other things, with a number plate recognition system.

Camera Coverage

The number of cameras cover not only the main town but also Pearl Bay and during 2018 the coverage of Pearl Bay expanded considerably.

Equipment has also been acquired for monitoring the R27 intersection, as well as a monitoring server at the water reservoir.

The cameras currently cover almost all strategic points in the town.

Funding

The investment in the camera system amounts to almost R500 000. The funds were obtained mainly from donations and from contributions made by Swartland Municipality. Some huge donations of, for example, R50 000 and R27 000 made a huge difference.

There are also a number of donors who contributed R1000 and more. All donations, irrespective of the amount, contributed to Yzerfontein being fairly crime-free today.

Unfortunately, the maintenance costs to the cameras are high and replacement is often required. Donations are required to keep the system running.

Please make your necessary contribution. Help us keep the town free from crime.