Camps Bay CID Achieves 5% Crime Reduction, Boosts Community Safety

Camps Bay residents are experiencing a safer and more vibrant neighbourhood, largely thanks to the proactive efforts of the Camps Bay City Improvement District (CID). Established in 2024 and funded by local property owners, the Camps Bay CID has played a pivotal role in achieving a 5% reduction in overall crime within the police precinct between April 2024–March 2025 and April 2025–March 2026, recording only 606 reported crimes in the later period. This figure stands at a notable 24.3% below pre-COVID-19 levels. Residential burglaries, for instance, saw a decrease of 41 cases during the same timeframe. Beyond crime statistics, the Camps Bay CID maintains 24/7 public safety patrols, conducts daily cleaning operations, and runs impactful social programmes, fostering a stronger community environment. The organisation also actively engages with the City of Cape Town regarding new developments, infrastructure maintenance, and the safety of hiking trails on Table Mountain.

Property Owners' Contributions: Investing in Camps Bay's Future

The establishment of the Camps Bay CID in 2024 was a direct response to the community's desire for enhanced safety and cleanliness. Property owners contribute an additional levy, which is directly channelled into improving the area, supplementing services provided by the City of Cape Town. The CID's comprehensive services include round-the-clock public safety patrols, daily cleaning operations that maintain pristine streets, and social development programmes designed to assist vulnerable individuals. These proactive measures have demonstrably contributed to the reduction in crime.

South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics confirm a 5% drop in overall crime within the Camps Bay police precinct for the period of April 2025–March 2026, with 606 crimes reported. This is 24.3% lower than the period preceding COVID-19. Residential burglary showed significant improvement, decreasing by 41 cases. Furthermore, drug-related crime saw a reduction of 25 cases, underscoring the impact of collaborative efforts.

Enhancing Security: The Victoria Road Camera Roll-Out

Despite these improvements, certain crime categories remain challenging. 'All theft not mentioned elsewhere' was the most reported crime in the precinct for 2025-2026, with 190 cases. Additionally, commercial crime increased by 31 cases, and theft from motor vehicles rose by 18 cases between April 2024–March 2025 and April 2025–March 2026. These figures highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and innovative solutions.

To address these concerns, the Camps Bay CID initiated a significant camera project in April 2025. This five-year project, budgeted at R11.4 million, aims to install 400 cameras, including thermal and License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras. Andrew Tulloch, from ignisive, a social development provider, stated: "The presence of community stewards and enhanced surveillance acts as a significant deterrent, making our streets safer for everyone." New cameras have already been deployed in strategic locations such as Geneva Drive, Sedgemoor Drive, and along Victoria Road, marking a substantial security upgrade for the community.

Community Upliftment: Beyond Crime Prevention

The Camps Bay CID's mandate extends beyond crime prevention to encompass social development and neighbourhood enhancement. In 2025, the organisation launched the 'Give Smart Today, Help Build Tomorrow' campaign in partnership with ignisive, focusing on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. This programme achieved remarkable results, helping 197 people find safe accommodation, connecting 32 with social workers, and facilitating 37 entries into rehabilitation programmes between December 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. Muneeb Hendricks, the Camps Bay CID manager, emphasised the importance of these holistic approaches: "Our goal is not just to reduce crime, but to uplift the entire community, ensuring a dignified environment for all."

The CID's Community Stewards contribute significantly, reporting over 1,200 safety incidents and removing 13 metric tonnes of refuse from public spaces. They have also undertaken substantial infrastructure improvements, including replacing fences, repairing embankments and pathways along the beachfront, and upgrading public buildings such as the CID Cleaning Unit HQ and the SAPS Station. Efforts are also underway to restore the Big and Little Glen, enhancing their natural beauty and protecting them from fires and erosion.

Holding the City Accountable: Residents' Advocacy

Despite the Camps Bay CID's successes, residents continue to advocate for improved services from the City of Cape Town. Concerns include the impact of new developments, the maintenance of general infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of hiking trails on Table Mountain. Community forums frequently discuss these issues, highlighting the necessity of collaborative engagement with the City. The active role of the Camps Bay CID demonstrates the community's commitment to influencing local environmental management and event organisation. As of August 4, 2026, Cape Town's dam levels stand at 78.0%, underscoring the ongoing need for water-wise practices. The Table Mountain cableway is currently closed for its annual maintenance until August 9, 2026. Furthermore, the City of Cape Town has made progress in reducing load-shedding, with many areas, including parts of Camps Bay, experiencing significantly fewer outages. Updates on City of Cape Town electricity can be found here.

-- Originally published on PR Daddy (https://prdaddy.com).