Security and Safety is a big concern of all South Africans, especially after the looting and destruction of July 2021.
An increasing population, with increasing unemployment, increasing poverty, and increasing desperation leads to increasing crime – we must guard against this in Hilton.
Over the last few years, we’ve developed a very effective security network in Hilton, making it one of the safest places to live in SA. This network is successful only because of the tireless hours spent by literally hundreds of volunteers carrying out their tasks, either in cash or in kind, to keep Hilton safe. These tasks involve:
• Over 300 residents guarding Hilton against looters and arsonists during July 2021
• Over 200 residents, registered under SAPS’ national ‘Community in Blue (CIB) Patrollers Concept,’ in 14 Cells taking turns to patrol and monitor Hilton’s streets and surroundings every night.
• Volunteer Armed Response security companies, as members of the Hilton Rapid Response (HRR) motorized unit, together with Hilton SAPS, reacting speedily to crimes being committed.
• Active residents monitoring either surveillance cameras placed in strategic off-road locations or monitoring CCTV cameras at many street intersections.
• The network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras monitored 24/7 by the uMngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI)
• Providing human and material resource support and encouragement to Hilton SAPS to help them protect us.
• Clean-ups of verges, removal of alien vegetation and planting of vegetation to beautify Hilton.
• Caring volunteers under the ‘Hilton Buddies’, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable Hilton residents.
• Over 400 Hilton households (ratepayers) who, over the past 17 years, have funded the above network via monthly donations to the Hilton Community Security Initiative (HCSI) (formerly 'Bobbies on the Beat’, followed by ‘Hilton Street Hawks’) with more than 100 households paying more than R420 per month.
The above households represent only 20% of all residential and commercial ratepayers in Hilton. This is unsustainable and it’s simply unfair that such a small group pay for something that benefits us all.
Love Hilton (Urban Improvement Precinct) is the best hope Hilton has of ensuring our current level of security is maintained and hopefully improved in the future.
Please contact John Holliday on 082 806 6749 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about security in Hilton.
And for more about Love Hilton email Jaqui on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I believe the future security and safety of Hilton rests on the choices we make right now.
Author: John Holliday (Member: HRA, HCSI, HCNW, HCPF, CIB)
