We're thrilled to report that the Guardian Patroller Programme (GPP) is up and running in Buccleuch.

Llewellyn Pillay, who is the Guardian Patroller Programme's Sector Manager: Sandton (and Chair of the Kelvin Residents Association) attended the last BRACe meeting and provided an overview.

1. The GPP is a new Sandton-wide community patrolling initiative that uses local knowledge to identify and report crime to SAPS. It works to bring together SAPS, security companies and private citizens.

2. The GPP has SAPS and CPF support, and is under strict control to avert govt concerns that it may be a vigiante organisation.

3. The role of GPP is to act as eyes and ears only, with SAPS responding to incidents. The GPP will also provide community oversight to help ensure proper police procedure.

4. GPP patrollers communicate via whatsapp

5. GPP is developing strict standard operating procedures which include requirements that patrollers are security vetted.

6. There are plans to provide patrollers with basic insurance cover, and over time the GPP hopes to better equip patrollers.

7. The GPP shares information between suburbs, so that information e.g. cars involved in crime can be loaded onto neighbouring databases.

8. Llewellyn referred to the success of security cameras equipped with license plate recognition software as a game changer. He noted that it was not sufficient to only have these cameras at the entrances to Buccleuch, but needed them inside the suburb so that suspicious vehicles can be tracked.

9. GPP recommends that the community also engage with our Domestic Watch to broaden the scope of vigilance.

10. The GPP team will communicate their patroller and financial requirements with residents.

Residents are encouraged to contact Waseem Ebrahim, Buccleuch Sector Manager at cpfbuccleuch@gmail.com or +27 64 488 4778