In a major drive to provide communities across Johannesburg with additional safety and to close the gaps in previously unprotected areas, Vumacam, in partnership with Fidelity ADT and other security providers across the region, will be rolling out an innovative SafeCity Initiative this month.
Vumacam has invested R60 million into the SafeCity Initiative by installing and activating 1 850 cameras across the city, of which 350 new cameras will be installed in previously unprotected areas. As a SafeCity partner, Fidelity ADT and other providers will now have access to the full network of over 7000 of Vumacam’s cameras to gain city-wide situational awareness critical to understanding criminal patterns and to assist with crime prevention and investigations – all intended to create safer, more protected communities.
Commenting on the initiative, Wahl Bartmann, Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Services Group says Fidelity has committed significant time and resources to the SafeCity initiative to protect communities but says unfortunately, as we all know, crime does not have borders. “Greater city-wide access to camera networks outside of our standard areas of operation will assist with crime prevention and investigations and allow us the opportunity to monitor more areas and stop criminals before they get to our neighbourhoods with the aid of more advanced surveillance software, including AI technology,” says Bartmann.
The SafeCity initiative is specifically designed to close gaps where criminals can hide. There are also a number of other benefits including helping to protect strategic and critical public infrastructure such as traffic lights, cellular towers etc. which will prevent unnecessary disruptions to resident’s daily lives. Making recreation areas safer, including various green belts in collaboration with City Parks, is another key benefit. “Increased cameras across arterial routes and green spaces means that recreational activities such as running, walking and cycling can be done with greater peace of mind knowing that there is another level of security,” he says.
Residents will also be empowered by access to a dedicated Telegram group that will communicate all elements of crime and success reports, helping to keep them abreast of all crime activities in the area, and take preventative/pro-active actions to keep their family and loved ones safe.
The initiative connects private security providers and SAPS through Business Against Crime South Africa’s (BACSA) Eyes and Ears (E2) Fusion Centre for powerful collaboration. “Fidelity has it’s own command centre that provides hourly updates in the event of any unrest so this will also interface with the centre providing accurate and verified intelligence,” confirms Bartmann.
This is a highly effective solution to fast-track coverage to help protect the vulnerable and under-protected as well.
“Public spaces are often a challenge,” says Bartmann. “With SafeCity we can now be alerted to any incidents of vandalism, illegal dumping and theft in public spaces so we can quickly contact the necessary authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly dealt with.”
As with any community initiative it requires collaboration to achieve the best results. “Together with Vumacam and residents in the community, we are committed to turning the tide on crime in the City of Johannesburg and appeal to communities to stand together and help contribute to this initiative. Fidelity’s own customer subscription base will now make a monthly contribution,” concludes Bartmann.
