Property Assessment
We evaluate properties for street view quality, corner coverage, and fibre access. Property owners must be registered PNW members and give explicit approval — tenants cannot authorise installations.
Always On Alert
Safer Streets
Through Community
Technology
The PNW Street Camera Project builds a community-owned network of smart cameras across the Plumstead precinct — enhancing existing security to help fight crime.
53 / 300
Target Cameras
5+
Installed Monthly
City of Cape Town
Approved & Registered
Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch
A community initiative for a safer precinct
Camera Network Active
City of Cape Town Approved
Diepriver SAPS Endorsed
Registered — Policy 21207
Community Owned & Operated
The Process
How the project works
A transparent, community-led process from property assessment to active monitoring.
Professional Installation
Our vetted, police-cleared partners at Homesecurity1st conduct a fully collaborative on-site setup. Camera position and cable routing are agreed with the homeowner before any work begins.
Secure Operation
Cameras connect via an encrypted outbound tunnel — we never touch your router settings or Wi-Fi. Digital privacy zones mask any private property that falls in frame.
Project Features
Built for community safety
Every design decision prioritises security, privacy, and resilience for our neighbourhood.
AI-Powered Alerts
Integrated AI generates alerts when specific events occur — supported by PNW Virtual Patrollers who monitor feeds intermittently.
Multi-Layer Security
Strict access controls, comprehensive access logging, and embedded watermarks on all footage identify every authorised user.
Load-Shedding Resilient
Cameras are installed where inverter backup exists. Critical sites receive UPS units to stay operational during Eskom outages.
Privacy-First Design
Digital "blackout masks" obscure private property in frame. Cameras view only public areas — no access to your Wi-Fi or home network.
Minimal Bandwidth Use
Modern compression keeps inbound data below 20 MB/hour, so your streaming and browsing remain completely unaffected.
SAPS Collaboration
Footage is released only to SAPS investigating officers with a case number — ensuring proper legal process and chain of custody.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about hosting a camera, privacy, and how the project operates.
Yes. The PNW Camera Project is approved by the Community Policing Forum and the Diepriver Police Station Commander, and is registered with the City of Cape Town under Policy Number 21207 (enacted 25 June 2014 – C63/06/14).
All cameras and infrastructure are owned by PNW (Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch). The project was funded through generous resident contributions and depends on ongoing community support.
No. The camera connects via a physical network cable and establishes its own secure, encrypted outbound connection to our management server. We never access your Wi-Fi password or change your router settings.
Direct access is not available. If footage may be relevant to a crime, open a case with SAPS. The Investigating Officer can then formally request the footage from PNW with a valid case number.
Yes — if your camera has a street view, meets technical specifications, and you sign the project's terms and conditions. The camera team will assess suitability first.
You provide electricity and internet for the camera at your own cost, keep an eye on it for physical damage, and notify PNW before any work that might affect the camera — or if you are planning to move from the property.
No — only the property owner has the authority to approve an installation and accept the project's terms and conditions.
Yes, membership is required but free and carries no obligations. Sign up at plumsteadwatch.org.za — it only takes a few minutes.
Support the Project
Help us reach 300 cameras
Every rand goes directly to camera installation and ongoing maintenance. Monthly contributions are especially valuable.
🔒 Secure payment processed by Netcash
R500 helps fund a new camera
Contributions go directly to hardware and installation costs for new street cameras in the precinct.
Monthly donations keep the network running
Ongoing maintenance, bandwidth, and infrastructure rely on consistent monthly support from residents.
Community-owned, community-run
No commercial profit. Run entirely by volunteers and overseen by the PNW Executive Committee (EXCO).
Get In Touch
Contact the PNW team
Questions about hosting a camera, membership, or the project? We'd love to hear from you.
Area
Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch precinct
Cape Town, South Africa
Membership
Register free at plumsteadwatch.org.za
Installation Partner
Homesecurity1st — vetted, police-cleared, registered