Spencer McNally, chairperson of the Camps Bay CID Steering Committee
Your “Camps Bay apply for a CID” (Atlantic Sun, August 31) refers.
Derk Jan’s comment that the “vagrant problem” requires a “zero tolerance approach” is ill-considered. Addressing the implications of homelessness requires a holistic, integrated solution that combines a firm hand with kindness and compassion. The Camps Bay CID will make use of proven solutions in a manner that preserves human dignity while ensuring public safety and cleanliness of public spaces.
Mr Jan’s statement that the CID budget is “too big” and that it would be “better to focus first on one topic like vagrants … and then scale up” is misinformed. According to the relevant by-law, a CID must obtain budget approval for its first five years in advance. There is therefore no legal mechanism by which a CID would be able to do as he proposes.
Lastly, Mr Jan’s statement that the CID’s proposals are overly “focused on monitoring and reaction and insufficiently on how to prevent crime” do not reflect the fact that robust monitoring and reaction are in and of themselves effective deterrents. Criminals that know that they are being closely watched, and that their criminal acts will be speedily and effectively responded to, will look elsewhere for easier targets.