Q1 REVIEW, WINTER PREPARATION & WHEELIE BIN SAFETY

As we move into the cooler months, we’re looking back and highlighting the efforts made during Q1 to keep the Maitland City Improvement District a safe and clean place to live, work and visit. At this time, we also start preparing for winter with all the necessary maintenance to public space, and we ask you to take care of your property and business by doing the same. Lastly, we offer our safety tips for your wheelie bin, which can become a security hazard, especially as our daylight hours decrease.

Looking back at Q1

For Quarter One 2024, we focused on maintaining a safe environment through our security initiatives, which include ensuring bin-pickers and loiterers are monitored and dealt with.  Additionally, the Maitland City Improvement District’s cleanliness was a priority, with our cleaning services ensuring a well-maintained space through initiatives such as emptying public bins on time and cleaning public gutters when needed. You can learn more about what we accomplished this quarter below.

On the ground report from our CID manager

Our CID manager provides an update on crime in the area:

“We have over the previous quarter seen a slight increase in business robberies of establishments, which are open during the weekends or where opportunity presents itself. These are mostly superettes, meat wholesalers and small shops, which tend to become quiet or isolated during the later parts of the afternoons. Some robberies were brazen and occurred during midday while clients or customers were still in the shops. Theft from motor vehicles also increased.
This is a difficult crime to prevent because you must be at the right place and at the right moment to prevent it. Reports of remote jamming of vehicles or attempted remote jamming were received. Common robberies where predominantly cell phones are targeted are a daily occurrence; carelessness plays a large role in this. Most such cases are not reported to the SAPS, due to the embarrassment factor, or the cell phone is not insured, and the prospect of it being found is slim.”

wheelie bin safety + how to replace your wheelie bin

Wheelie Bin Safety

Learn how to keep your wheelie bin and property safe, or replace a lost bin, with these helpful tips.

Keeping your wheelie bin secure benefits both you and the community. Clearly marking your bin with your house number or address increases the chances of its safe return if it gets misplaced. But security goes beyond just the bin itself. To ensure your overall safety, be mindful of what you throw away. Avoid discarding medication bottles with your name or address visible. Shred any personal documents before disposal to prevent identity theft.

Bin placement also plays a role in security. Leaving your wheelie bin too close to walls or fences creates a potential climbing aid for trespassers. Ideally, store your bin in a designated area, like a garage or shed, whenever possible. If not, position it in a well-lit, open area away from fences and walls. By following these simple tips, you can keep your wheelie bin secure and reduce potential security risks around your property.

Winter Readiness

The crisp air and cosy vibes of winter are fast approaching, but so are the challenges of rain, wind and potential disruptions. Don’t get caught off guard! We’ve got you covered with essential tips to navigate the season seamlessly. 

From keeping your property prepared and business functioning smoothly, to staying safe on the roads, these handy suggestions will help you embrace the winter flow. 

Are You Ready to Go with the Winter Flow? Clear the Clutter from Your Gutter Keep your gutters in optimal condition by ensuring they are undamaged, securely attached to your building, and free from any branches. Shine A Little Light Combat the winter darkness by checking your outdoor lights. Make sure they are waterproof, functioning properly, and free from obstructions. Trim Your Trees Give your trees the care they deserve. Trim any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent breakage during storms. Stop the Slip Create a safe environment by adding doormats, anti-slip coatings, and slip grip strips to stairs and slippery tiles, reducing the risk of accidents. Clean Your Cameras Maintain clear visibility by cleaning the lenses of your cameras. Remove dust particles that can cause a muddy mess when it rains. Be Reliably Roadworthy Ensure the safety and punctuality of your employees by keeping your vehicle fleet in top shape. Check headlights, rear and brake lights, tyre tread, and windshield wipers. Protect Our Pedestrians Promote pedestrian safety by encouraging your staff to wear bright reflective clothing and to drive with caution on the roads. Report and Respond Take action when needed. Report instances of flooding or blocked drains through www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests or the Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Power outages can be reported via SMS to 31220 or email power@capetown.gov.za. In case of emergencies, dial 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone to reach the Public Emergency Communication Centre.