Visibility is a key element in the effectiveness of any neighbourhood watch. If residents see the Watch in action and if criminals see that patrols are actively being carried out, it can make a massive difference to keeping a community safe.

A donation provided to the Wavecrest Neighbourhood Watch in Jeffreys Bay, says its chairman Natashja Ellis, will help drive home this visibility message.

“We received branded vehicle decals from Fidelity ADT, to help identify our patrol vehicles. This partnership helps us to reduce crime in our neighbourhood and the decals has also given our team some much needed support. Most members use their own personal vehicles to patrol and the decals enables us to be easily identified which makes it easier to ask for help or to report anything suspicious,” says Ellis (pictured).

Ryan Britz, Fidelity ADT Branch Manager for Port Elizabeth says they are happy to have been able to help. The company, he adds, is particularly impressed with the strong leadership role played by women in this community organisation.

“We were first approached to help Natashja and her team as a first responder to community WhatsApp alerts through the Community Information Centre facility, and we are proud to now be able to take this relationship to the next level,” explains Britz.

“Our company is committed to forming partnerships with local organisations to proactively reduce criminal activity. Cooperation between neighbourhood watches, private security companies and the police is very important.”

Residents are encouraged to get in touch with the Fidelity ADT team in Port Elizabeth if they would like any assistance or guidance on how to form a neighbourhood watch or would like to become involved in one of these groups.