Mobile Station targets Obs crime hotspots

THE new “horsebox” introduced by the Observatory Improvement District (OBSID) has scored its first direct success through the apprehension of a car-wheel thief by a guard who was patrolling Dove Street from the mobile shelter.
The horsebox is a trailer from which an Observatory Public Safety guard can operate in any hotspot in the OBSID area.
It is hard to miss the bold branding which increases the visibility of the OBSID’s safety effort and helps prevent crime.
The idea is that the guards manning the horsebox are able to patrol high-crime areas in Obs, using the horsebox as an occasional shelter and “information desk” where they can interact with residents.
During the incident, the trailer was parked on the corner of Robins and Polo Road, when the guard interrupted the thief who ran off but was caught shortly afterwards.
The OBSID horsebox has been operating for three weeks now. Residents say that since the horsebox has been visible in the area, crime has decreased and they feel much safer in their homes.
“I much prefer them here... If one of those could be in every street in Observatory, I tell you, crime will probably go to Constantia,” quipped Jill Darvall, a resident in Polo Street.
“The vigilance of them up and down, it actually keeps the guys away. Nobody’s car has been broken in since,” said Maphtaoi Tafari, a resident in Polo Street.
The horsebox branding was sponsored by the Groote Schuur Community Improvement District (GSCID) and the Western Cape government sponsored the trailer.
The use of horsebox is currently being tested, says Ursula van Stavel, chief operating officer.
She says that they are conducting a survey among residents about the impact of the service. Information brochures about the OBSID are available at the horsebox, as well as opinion-poll form that residents can fill in.
OBSID guard Aphiwe Velani, who recently did a stint in and around the horsebox in Polo Road, said: “So far there has been no reports of breaking-ins, that means the crime has decreased...residents appreciate the horsebox. They say that they are very delighted to see the horsebox, especially here in Polo Road”.
Ursula says that if any resident or organisation is hosting a gathering and would like the horsebox to be visible in the area during the hours of the event, residents can apply to the OBSID a week in advance. OBSID will consider each application on its merits.
Phone the OBSID at 021 448 7090 or leave a note at the horsebox.