Re: [obsnw] Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22 to 24 April 2015

[Marc Turok]

This is an important advance in getting Lower Main back as Observatory 
communities activity street day and night for us normal people to enjoy and 
feel safe in a pleasant ‘people’s social public entertainment environment.

We should be aware that it will be more difficult to catch people who expect to 
be caught and use more secretive methods like directing buyers to hidden goods 
with no apparent public interaction.

Thanks for keeping us informed and yes, WELL DONE to Berry and Ontong.

There must be much information like facial recognition for public to report 
sightings of suspects and convicted felons who walk freely amongst us who are 
none the wiser.
Great concern about what Stephen van der Spuy reported of an attack by 3 men at 
11pm on Saturday night, of a man walking on Station Road! Have there been any 
good descriptions? Any arrests? Are there ant cameras on the intersection of 
Lower Main and Station Road? If not why not? Is it not time we looked at all 
important intersections being covered by camera? Maybe doing short term intense 
surveillance at unpredictable times to uncover the covert patterns and having 
it filmed secretly by those authorised to do so.
Regards,
Marc 

From: Frank Schuitemaker 
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2015 11:17 AM
To: The Observatory Neighbourhood watch 
Subject: Re: [obsnw] Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock 
SAPS - 22 to 24 April 2015

Well done Messrs Berry and Ontong for cleaning up LMR Drug scene, how many to 
go?

Also thanks for sorting out some of the rogue clubs and pubs.

Time for some of them to move far far away from Obs and serenity to return to 
our lovely village..


On 26 April 2015 at 23:58, James Cowley  wrote:

  A spate of drug dealer arrests were recently reported by Constable Berry, the 
Woodstock SAPS Sector 1 Manger for Observatory.   On Thursday 22 April just 
before 8 pm a drug dealer, who was operating along the Lower Main Road, was 
spotted by him and Constable Frank Ontong.  The drug dealer tried to run away 
but was chased by them on foot.  He was caught with 12 packets of 'tik' and 
immediately arrested. 

  Later, just past 10 pm, the two Woodstock SAPS Constables caught another drug 
dealer who was operating at Trump Towers in front Ezithebeni Braai Lounge pub 
on Lower Main Road Observatory. He apparently was found with lots of drugs and 
tik on him, and subsequently arrested.

  On Friday night at around 9 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they were 
monitoring a drug dealer's home who operates in the Observatory area.  Later 
they entered and searched through the home but neither the dealer or any drugs 
were found.  They subsequently managed to find the dealer on Lower Main Road, 
searched him, but nothing was found on him. The club, Ezitherbeni were later 
searched through by them for drugs but nothing was found there. He noted that 
SAPS will keep the pressure up regarding the drug trafficking in Obs.

  Soon after at 11 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they caught a Nigerian drug 
dealer who was operating in Lower Main Road.   They noticed his car, pulled him 
over and searched the vehicle.  They eventually found a packet of 'tik' in a 
hidden compartment inside the vehicle's dash board.  The drug dealer was 
arrested, and I assume, the vehicle was impounded.  

  The success of these arrests is contributed to Constable Berry and Ontong 
going around in an unmarked SAPS vehicle and wearing plain clothes while on 
duty.  Captain Althea Jeftha, an ex Woodstock Officer and a former 'tough 
roaring tiger' in Woodstock, having been transferred to the Cape Town Drug 
Squad a few years ago, is still on the rampant and often performs drug 
operations in the wider Cape Town areas and in the Woodstock precinct from time 
to time.

  Never the less, The ONW is proud to have Constable Mark Berry as ouur Secttor 
Manger and his shadow, Constable Frank Ontong, doing the rounds in Observatory 
in their marked Police van or in unmarked vehicles, and just as appreciative to 
the Sector 1 SAPS Patrol vehicle Shift Staff who are often seen patrolling the 
empty streets by day or night.  Thank you Woodstock SAPS!
  -- 
  --
  OPS [Obsid Public Safety] - 24/7 control room 
   
  TEL: 021-447-1066 or 072-063-1653
  --
   
  EMERGENCIES: 10111
   
  --
  ONW email: o...@obs.org.za
  WEB: www.obswatch.org.za
  FACEBOOK: facebook.com/obswatch
  --
  Other Useful Obs Numbers: obs.org.za/obsdir
   
  You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups The 
Observatory Neighbourhood watch group. To post to this group, send email to 
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Re: [obsnw] Digest for obsnw@googlegroups.com - 9 updates in 3 topics

[stephen van der spuy]

The best crime-prevention in Observatory is visible policing ... not
expensive security cameras. Regards, Stephen

On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 2:22 PM,  wrote:

> obsnw@googlegroups.com
> 
>   Google
> Groups
> 
> 
>   Topic digest
>  View all topics
> 
>
>-  Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22
>to 24 April 2015 <#14cfad499500d18f_group_thread_0> - 4 Updates
>-  Attempted Armed Robbery: Main Road - Wednesday Evening - 22 April
>2015 <#14cfad499500d18f_group_thread_1> - 4 Updates
>-  Is crime and instability not related to the way oureconomy is
>structured? <#14cfad499500d18f_group_thread_2> - 1 Update
>
>   Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22 to
> 24 April 2015
> 
>   James Cowley : Apr 26 11:58PM +0200
>
> A spate of drug dealer arrests were recently reported by Constable Berry,
> the Woodstock SAPS Sector 1 Manger for Observatory. On Thursday 22
> April just before 8 pm a drug dealer, who was operating along the Lower
> Main Road, was spotted by him and Constable Frank Ontong. The drug dealer
> tried to run away but was chased by them on foot. He was caught with 12
> packets of 'tik' and immediately arrested.
>
> Later, just past 10 pm, the two Woodstock SAPS Constables caught another
> drug dealer who was operating at Trump Towers in front Ezithebeni Braai
> Lounge pub on Lower Main Road Observatory. He apparently was found with
> lots of drugs and tik on him, and subsequently arrested.
>
> On Friday night at around 9 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they were
> monitoring a drug dealer's home who operates in the Observatory area.
> Later they entered and searched through the home but neither the dealer or
> any drugs were found. They subsequently managed to find the dealer on
> Lower Main Road, searched him, but nothing was found on him. The club,
> Ezitherbeni were later searched through by them for drugs but nothing was
> found there. He noted that SAPS will keep the pressure up regarding the
> drug trafficking in Obs.
>
> Soon after at 11 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they caught a Nigerian
> drug dealer who was operating in Lower Main Road. They noticed his car,
> pulled him over and searched the vehicle. They eventually found a packet
> of 'tik' in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle's dash board. The drug
> dealer was arrested, and I assume, the vehicle was impounded.
>
> The success of these arrests is contributed to Constable Berry and Ontong
> going around in an unmarked SAPS vehicle and wearing plain clothes while on
> duty. Captain Althea Jeftha, an ex Woodstock Officer and a former 'tough
> roaring tiger' in Woodstock, having been transferred to the Cape Town Drug
> Squad a few years ago, is still on the rampant and often performs drug
> operations in the wider Cape Town areas and in the Woodstock precinct from
> time to time.
>
> Never the less, The ONW is proud to have Constable Mark Berry as ouur
> Secttor Manger and his shadow, Constable Frank Ontong, doing the rounds in
> Observatory in their marked Police van or in unmarked vehicles, and just as
> appreciative to the Sector 1 SAPS Patrol vehicle Shift Staff who are often
> seen patrolling the empty streets by day or night. Thank you Woodstock
> SAPS!
>   Frank Schuitemaker : Apr 27 11:17AM +0200
>
> Well done Messrs Berry and Ontong for cleaning up LMR Drug scene, how many
> to go?
>
> Also thanks for sorting out some of the rogue clubs and pubs.
>
> Time for some of them to move far far away from Obs and serenity to return
> to our lovely village..
>
>   Natalie Leon : Apr 27 10:52AM +0200
>
> Sorry about all the the typos, sent too early...
> Natalie
>
> ___
> Natalie Leon
> Senior Scientist
> Health Systems Research Unit
> Medical Research Council of South Africa
>
> natalie.l...@mrc.ac.za
> +27-79-501-2179
> Skype: colveone
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 10:51 AM, Natalie Leon <
> nataliehelenel...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>   Natalie Leon : Apr 27 10:51AM +0200
>
> This is very encouraging indeed. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. If ONW
> can support these police efforts in any way, e.g through local eyes on the
> roade tuype intelligencea nd quick communication via WHAT'S APP, there may
> yet be some way to turn the tide around.
> Natalie
>
> ___
> Natalie Leon
> Senior Scientist
> Health Systems Research Unit
> Medical Research Council of South Africa
>
> natalie.l...@mrc.ac.za
> +27-79-501-2179
> Skype: colveone
>
>
>
> On Sun, Apr 26, 2015 at 11:

Re: [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless

[Marc Turok]

While I cant comment on what has or has not been done and how many ‘innocent’ 
homeless of poor people get harsh treatment by ‘authorities’ , I would want  to 
see a new approach where homeless who have no record of crime or antisocial 
behaviour get short term, dry and secure local shelter in enclosed lockable 
areas under bridges and other temporary unused available space, where they can 
also get a basic cup of soup and bread and an item of donated clothing or 
blanket, on condition that they get guidance, medical attention and testing for 
things like TB or alcoholism, drugs and status of ID,  for a social worker to 
assist these individuals towards a better station in life, including some local 
possible short term local part time employment possibilities, until ready to 
move to something better.

Others known to not comply, suspected of criminal activities should not get 
these short term care and not be permitted to infiltrate our area... but these 
accusations of criminal activities need to be based on evidence.

Being credited with good behaviour needs to be demonstrated by  being helpful 
to others in need, not causing disturbance, not littering and not being 
involved in other antisocial activities. 
One of the biggest injustices is that poor and vulnerable people are the most 
abused by both criminals and authorities who are there to protect us from 
crime. THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE !

We need to find solutions and as winter approaches, we need to share ideas and 
hear from those who are experienced and directly involved what they think can 
and should be done???
Regards,
Marc 

From: Trevor Hughes 
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2015 12:11 PM
To: obsnw@googlegroups.com ; Brian Amery Coo 
Subject: [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless



Subject: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless






We’re being targeted, say homeless 
8 April 2015 - Ian Broughton 
  a..  
  From left: Nicole MacHattie, Johannes Ougat, Kevin Adams and Mike Slate, who 
has started a committee for the homeless.Slate recently organised a clean up of 
the local park. Picture: Ian Broughton 
Featured Story Homeless people in Observatory, Woodstock and Bellville have 
complained about a wave of law enforcement operations against them in the last 
two months. Several people have complained to the Legal Resources Centre in 
Cape Town of assault.

The City of Cape Town has denied that street people are being targeted by city 
officials. The City took allegations of street people being threatened very 
seriously, said Mayoral Committee member Suzette Little.

The LRC’s Anthea Billy said street people’s rights were being seriously 
violated. “There seems to be a general onslaught on people on the streets and 
they are using city by-laws to do it,” she said. She said she had taken 
statements from five people. The LRC was working with SPEAR, an ad hoc 
committee set up by street people to give them a voice.

SPEAR founder Mike Slate was one of those who found himself at the receiving 
end of an operation. On 11 February, he says, he and his girlfriend were 
sleeping under a bridge in Observatory when they were woken by a group 
consisting of Law Enforcement and security guards from Observatory CID (OBSCID) 
and Groote Schuur CID (GSCID).

Slate says he and his girlfriend had been sleeping there for two weeks and had 
even been woken up several times by OBSCID guards who had not told them to move.

But on February 11 he says they were told they were only allowed to have one 
blanket. Other items were confiscated, including a duvet, blanket, mattress, 
clothing, prescription spectacles and contact lenses, an antique mirror, 
scientific calculator and a grinder which he had fixed for someone.

Slate says that when he protested, the security guards became aggressive and 
one threatened him with violence.

While some of the guards were busy with him, says Slate, others took his 
girlfriend aside and forced her to sign a document banning them from the area.

He was also accused of “pimping out his girlfriend.”

When he went to Woodstock SAPS to lay a charge of theft he says police refused 
to open a case.

Western Cape police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said he should 
report this to the management of the station. "Every person has the right to a 
policing service, and the homeless man you are referring to is by no means 
excluded. He is encouraged to report the refusal of a service to the management 
of Woodstock police station so that the matter can be investigated,” said Traut.

Slate claims that it is mostly drug users who are being targeted.

Another homeless person in Observatory, who asked that his name not be used as 
he fears he will be targeted and harassed even more, says he was accosted by 
members of OBSCID and members of the SAPS on 10 February at the spot where he 
was sleeping next to the railway line.

His possessions, including a black bag full of clothing, were taken from him 
and he was escorted away to

Re: [obsnw] Digest for obsnw@googlegroups.com - 9 updates in 3 topics

[Marc Turok]

While I agree with Stephen that “The best crime-prevention in Observatory is 
visible policing’’, particularly if this is supported by an active eyes and 
ears informed community ready, involved and reporting all perspectives of what 
is going on (both quite problem free areas and volatile hoy spots). If hot 
spots are then well covered by ‘expensive’ security cameras that are well 
monitored as evidence gathering and up to the minute on site info for well 
trained and motivated security on the beat, with police backup available and 
kept informed and urgent activities relayed to all escape routes, we would 
tighten the grip on this rampant problem and quickly demonstrate that 
OBSERVATORY IS NOT GOING TO BE THE CRIME AND DRUG LAND UP FOR GRABS TO ALL AND 
SUNDRY ANY LONGER.

On the other had, I also agree with Stephen that if you just stick cameras all 
over at huge expense, its hardly going to be effective and sustainable because 
there is a disconnect with the place and the moment and the monitoring – acting 
pattern is limited as people get to know how to dodge the surveillance system.
Regards,
Marc   

From: stephen van der spuy 
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2015 10:21 AM
To: obsnw@googlegroups.com 
Subject: Re: [obsnw] Digest for obsnw@googlegroups.com - 9 updates in 3 topics

The best crime-prevention in Observatory is visible policing ... not expensive 
security cameras. Regards, Stephen


On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 2:22 PM,  wrote:

obsnw@googlegroups.com  Google Groups

  Topic digest 
  View all topics 
a.. Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22 to 
24 April 2015 - 4 Updates 
b.. Attempted Armed Robbery: Main Road - Wednesday Evening - 22 April 2015 
- 4 Updates 
c.. Is crime and instability not related to the way oureconomy is 
structured? - 1 Update 
  Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22 to 24 
April 2015 James Cowley : Apr 26 11:58PM +0200 

A spate of drug dealer arrests were recently reported by Constable 
Berry,
the Woodstock SAPS Sector 1 Manger for Observatory. On Thursday 22
April just before 8 pm a drug dealer, who was operating along the Lower
Main Road, was spotted by him and Constable Frank Ontong. The drug 
dealer
tried to run away but was chased by them on foot. He was caught with 12
packets of 'tik' and immediately arrested.
 
Later, just past 10 pm, the two Woodstock SAPS Constables caught another
drug dealer who was operating at Trump Towers in front Ezithebeni Braai
Lounge pub on Lower Main Road Observatory. He apparently was found with
lots of drugs and tik on him, and subsequently arrested.
 
On Friday night at around 9 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they were
monitoring a drug dealer's home who operates in the Observatory area.
Later they entered and searched through the home but neither the dealer 
or
any drugs were found. They subsequently managed to find the dealer on
Lower Main Road, searched him, but nothing was found on him. The club,
Ezitherbeni were later searched through by them for drugs but nothing 
was
found there. He noted that SAPS will keep the pressure up regarding the
drug trafficking in Obs.
 
Soon after at 11 pm Constable Berry conveyed that they caught a Nigerian
drug dealer who was operating in Lower Main Road. They noticed his car,
pulled him over and searched the vehicle. They eventually found a packet
of 'tik' in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle's dash board. The 
drug
dealer was arrested, and I assume, the vehicle was impounded.
 
The success of these arrests is contributed to Constable Berry and 
Ontong
going around in an unmarked SAPS vehicle and wearing plain clothes 
while on
duty. Captain Althea Jeftha, an ex Woodstock Officer and a former 'tough
roaring tiger' in Woodstock, having been transferred to the Cape Town 
Drug
Squad a few years ago, is still on the rampant and often performs drug
operations in the wider Cape Town areas and in the Woodstock precinct 
from
time to time.
 
Never the less, The ONW is proud to have Constable Mark Berry as ouur
Secttor Manger and his shadow, Constable Frank Ontong, doing the rounds 
in
Observatory in their marked Police van or in unmarked vehicles, and 
just as
appreciative to the Sector 1 SAPS Patrol vehicle Shift Staff who are 
often
seen patrolling the empty streets by day or night. Thank you Woodstock
SAPS!
   
Frank Schuitemaker : Apr 27 11:17AM +0200 

Well done Messrs Berry and Ontong for cleaning up LMR Drug scene, how 
many
to go?
 
Also thanks for sorting out some of the rogue clubs and pubs.
 
Time for some of them to move far

[obsnw] Spate of Drug Dealer Arrests in Observatory by Woodstock SAPS - 22 to 24 April 2015

[Gazarow]

Berry good constable! 

-- 
--
OPS [Obsid Public Safety] - 24/7 control room 

TEL: 021-447-1066   or   072-063-1653
--

EMERGENCIES:  10111

--
ONW email: o...@obs.org.za
WEB: www.obswatch.org.za
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/obswatch
--
Other Useful Obs Numbers: obs.org.za/obsdir

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Re: [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless

[Jenny Calder]

Thank you Mark, you have a valid point and I think it is something that 
needs to be given attention.  I do however question the innocence of the 
people pictured here.  I have, on a regular basis, found Nicole standing 
next to the Nedbank ATM at night and as each person draws money, she 
would ask them for a donation. She has asked me so many times, and comes 
with some fairly 'cute' stories to disguise what it might be used for.  
I have seen her and her boyfriend fighting in the street there over a 
'client' because he got in the way at the last minute, and last night 
saw her posing on the street, seemingly waiting for clients.  Unless her 
drug problem is dealt with, it's not viable to even try and help her or 
others in that situation.  They have no legitimate means to an income 
and it will result in crime.  Is there anything the state can do to 
force them into rehabilitation?


I agree though, there are many who have just fallen on hard times and it 
would be nice to give them dignity and some hope back. Everyone deserves 
that chance.  As this is something that bothers me, I will also do some 
research into any positive way to make an impact.  I started looking 
into it when we lived in Woodstock for a while last year and became 
aware of just how bad it gets.


Jenny Calder
ONW Secretary

On 2015/04/30 11:10, Marc Turok wrote:
While I cant comment on what has or has not been done and how many 
‘innocent’ homeless of poor people get harsh treatment by 
‘authorities’ , I would want  to see a new approach where homeless who 
have no record of crime or antisocial behaviour get short term, dry 
and secure local shelter in enclosed lockable areas under bridges and 
other temporary unused available space, where they can also get a 
basic cup of soup and bread and an item of donated clothing or 
blanket, on condition that they get guidance, medical attention and 
testing for things like TB or alcoholism, drugs and status of ID,  for 
a social worker to assist these individuals towards a better station 
in life, including some local possible short term local part time 
employment possibilities, until ready to move to something better.
Others known to not comply, suspected of criminal activities should 
not get these short term care and not be permitted to infiltrate our 
area... but these accusations of criminal activities need to be based 
on evidence.
Being credited with good behaviour needs to be demonstrated by  being 
helpful to others in need, not causing disturbance, not littering and 
not being involved in other antisocial activities.
One of the biggest injustices is that poor and vulnerable people are 
the most abused by both criminals and authorities who are there to 
protect us from crime. THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE !
We need to find solutions and as winter approaches, we need to share 
ideas and hear from those who are experienced and directly involved 
what they think can and should be done???

Regards,
Marc
*From:* Trevor Hughes 
*Sent:* Wednesday, April 8, 2015 12:11 PM
*To:* obsnw@googlegroups.com  ; Brian 
Amery Coo 

*Subject:* [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless

Subject: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless




  *We’re being targeted, say homeless*

8 April 2015 - Ian Broughton

  * From left: Nicole MacHattie, Johannes Ougat, Kevin Adams and Mike
Slate, who has started a committee for the homeless.Slate recently
organised a clean up of the local park. Picture: Ian Broughton


  *From left: Nicole MacHattie, Johannes Ougat, Kevin Adams
  and Mike Slate, who has started a committee for the
  homeless.Slate recently organised a clean up of the local
  park. Picture: Ian Broughton*

Featured Story Homeless people in Observatory, Woodstock and Bellville 
have complained about a wave of law enforcement operations against 
them in the last two months. Several people have complained to the 
Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town of assault.


The City of Cape Town has denied that street people are being targeted 
by city officials. The City took allegations of street people being 
threatened very seriously, said Mayoral Committee member Suzette Little.


The LRC’s Anthea Billy said street people’s rights were being 
seriously violated. “There seems to be a general onslaught on people 
on the streets and they are using city by-laws to do it,” she said. 
She said she had taken statements from five people. The LRC was 
working with SPEAR, an ad hoc committee set up by street people to 
give them a voice.


SPEAR founder Mike Slate was one of those who found himself at the 
receiving end of an operation. On 11 February, he says, he and his 
girlfriend were sleeping under a bridge in Observatory when they were 
woken by a group consisting of Law Enforcement and security guards 
from Observatory CID (OBSCID) and Groote Schuur CID (GSCID).


Slate says he and his girlf

Re: [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless

[skoo...@intekom.co.za]

I couldn't agree with you more, Jenny. Below is a copy of my recent email
to Obsid and their social fieldworker:

"For well over 18 months, we have frequently witnessed the
addiction-fuelled madness and misery of the likes of Nicole MacHattie and
Mike Slate - portrayed in a recent article - terrorising, abusing,
harassing, polluting and feeding off our beloved Observatory CBD. 
 
Yes, there are countless more faces like theirs that eke out a parasitic
existence that depends on the drug industry in our suburb and the charity
of well-meaning but ignorant visitors and locals alike - not to mention all
the crime that goes hand-in-hand!
 
SURELY there is a socio-legal process, i.e. sectioning, that can be pursued
to get Nicole off the street and into a government rehab so that - at the
very least - residents like myself don't have to endure her prostituting
for her next fix outside Munroes or Hello Sailor in broad daylight, or
another of her psychotic episodes in the street outside my house?!
 
kind regards
 
Stan van Rensburg
3 James Street


Original email:
-
From: Jenny Calder jennycald...@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:39:04 +0200
To: obsnw@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless


Thank you Mark, you have a valid point and I think it is something that 
needs to be given attention.  I do however question the innocence of the 
people pictured here.  I have, on a regular basis, found Nicole standing 
next to the Nedbank ATM at night and as each person draws money, she 
would ask them for a donation. She has asked me so many times, and comes 
with some fairly 'cute' stories to disguise what it might be used for.  
I have seen her and her boyfriend fighting in the street there over a 
'client' because he got in the way at the last minute, and last night 
saw her posing on the street, seemingly waiting for clients.  Unless her 
drug problem is dealt with, it's not viable to even try and help her or 
others in that situation.  They have no legitimate means to an income 
and it will result in crime.  Is there anything the state can do to 
force them into rehabilitation?

I agree though, there are many who have just fallen on hard times and it 
would be nice to give them dignity and some hope back. Everyone deserves 
that chance.  As this is something that bothers me, I will also do some 
research into any positive way to make an impact.  I started looking 
into it when we lived in Woodstock for a while last year and became 
aware of just how bad it gets.

Jenny Calder
ONW Secretary

On 2015/04/30 11:10, Marc Turok wrote:
> While I cant comment on what has or has not been done and how many 
> ‘innocent’ homeless of poor people get harsh treatment by 
> ‘authorities’ , I would want  to see a new approach where homeless
who 
> have no record of crime or antisocial behaviour get short term, dry 
> and secure local shelter in enclosed lockable areas under bridges and 
> other temporary unused available space, where they can also get a 
> basic cup of soup and bread and an item of donated clothing or 
> blanket, on condition that they get guidance, medical attention and 
> testing for things like TB or alcoholism, drugs and status of ID,  for 
> a social worker to assist these individuals towards a better station 
> in life, including some local possible short term local part time 
> employment possibilities, until ready to move to something better.
> Others known to not comply, suspected of criminal activities should 
> not get these short term care and not be permitted to infiltrate our 
> area... but these accusations of criminal activities need to be based 
> on evidence.
> Being credited with good behaviour needs to be demonstrated by  being 
> helpful to others in need, not causing disturbance, not littering and 
> not being involved in other antisocial activities.
> One of the biggest injustices is that poor and vulnerable people are 
> the most abused by both criminals and authorities who are there to 
> protect us from crime. THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE !
> We need to find solutions and as winter approaches, we need to share 
> ideas and hear from those who are experienced and directly involved 
> what they think can and should be done???
> Regards,
> Marc
> *From:* Trevor Hughes 
> *Sent:* Wednesday, April 8, 2015 12:11 PM
> *To:* obsnw@googlegroups.com  ; Brian 
> Amery Coo 
> *Subject:* [obsnw] Fwd: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless
>
> Subject: Article in GroundUp on Obs homeless
>
>
>
>
>   *We’re being targeted, say homeless*
>
> 8 April 2015 - Ian Broughton
>
>   * From left: Nicole MacHattie, Johannes Ougat, Kevin Adams and Mike
> Slate, who has started a committee for the homeless.Slate recently
> organised a clean up of the local park. Picture: Ian Broughton
>
>
>   *From left: Nicole MacHattie, Johannes Ougat, Kevin Adams
>   a