Keepers
The community 'Keepers' is our Neighbourhood Watch group. It works together with all the local security companies and is run entirely by volunteers from the village. Members conduct nighttime patrols and operate a rapid response unit. In the event of a crime, they are ready to mobilise in minutes.
To join, please complete this FORM. We will be in touch with you.
Who we are and what we do
KEEPERS is a community initiative where volunteer residents – women, men, young & old, work together to keep our village safe from crime. The intention is to deter criminals from choosing Scarborough as a target.
We do this by using a combination of night-time patrols, rapid response, a radio network, camera network (owned by SVA), and by being alert to suspicious activity through night and day (and where needed, acting on it). Keepers’ members communicate and work with SAPS in case of emergencies. A dedicated Keepers member also diligently keeps a record of all criminal activity (large & small) in the village.
While not a direct part of the Keepers’ operation, the recently reconstituted street groups also play a valuable role in keeping our village safe. We are making sure that there is regular communication with the street group reps who can, in turn, pass on information to their street.
We’re also wonderfully assisted by CIS. While their job is to focus on their paying clients, CIS goes above and beyond to also assist Keepers in their work.
KEEPERS’ communication channels
We communicate via several channels for dedicated purposes:
• Keepers Emergency Only: This Telegram group is for members to post security emergencies, to which Keepers can respond, if necessary. If anyone would like to be added to this group, contact Sysser Waspe on Scarborough.Keepers@gmail.com.
• Keepers Team Group: A WhatsApp group used solely by active volunteers to coordinate activities, and respond to emergencies and suspicious activity.
• Scarborough Matters Telegram group: Keepers frequently post security updates on this platform.
• Radio network: Many residents now have two-way radios. We use them to communicate at night when there is an emergency. This system works well (especially during load shedding). We encourage those who do not yet have radios, to consider getting one. For radio orders, please email Kyle Davis at scarboroughradios@gmail.com.
• Keepers’ emergency phone: Keep the Keepers emergency number handy for assistance in emergencies.
Keepers number: 079 915 5210.
You can also make a Whatsapp call, or message this number.
KEEPERS co-ordinators:
• Overall co-ordinator: Elena da Cruz.
• Patrols & general assistance: James Kydd.
• Code Red Base: Elena da Cruz; Michele Harvey; Kate Squire-Howe (in an emergency, the Code Red group deploys rapid responders & liaises with SAPS).
• Patrol schedules: Onboarding questionnaires, Debra Marsden & Jean Ramsay.
• Crime incident logging: Leigh Haselau.
• Keepers’ emergency phone: Hans Nachenius.
• Radios: Kyle Davis.
• Camera surveillance: Fred Marais.
• Messaging on Matters: Magda Alberts.
• 'Keepers Emergency Only' Telegram group: Sysser Waspe.
Please remember, Keepers is not:
A security company. Keepers is not a security company service provider. For those wanting support from a security company, we suggest that you join CIS.
The Keepers group exists solely because of the efforts of a group of volunteers who give their time to watch over the village.
We are always looking for more volunteers, so please consider joining up.
If you’re interested please complete the form via the button link above.