Operation increases police visibility

Working together with security companies, the Bedfordview SAPS held an operation in the area last Friday.

The aim of the operation was to increase visible policing and to strengthen the relationship between the police and security companies.

Security companies represented included CMS, SAPPS Security, Wise Guard Security, T2 Security and Top Security.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi said the operation was part of the festive season drive to be rolled out by police.

“This was just the beginning. We plan to stage more of these as we go into the festive season to make Befordview a crime-free zone,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.

He added that the operation was a success, with a number of stop-and-search operations being carried out.

Ms Mpho Moloto, who works in Bedford Gardens, told the NEWS that she was pleased to see the police taking a pro-active stand in the fight against crime.

“It is also satisfying to see the security guards working with them in the process. I trust that residents do feel a lot safer,” she added.

Lieutenant Colonel Ausker Pratt hosted a briefing session with the officers involved and led the operation through the streets of Bedfordview, starting with sectors one and two.

One of the security guards said he was happy to have been part of the operation as there was a need to show a united front in the public.

“It would have been nice to see all the security companies who operate in the area taking part in this task. We need the criminals to know that we mean business and we also want our residents to be assured that we work hand-in-hand with the police towards ensuring their safety,” he said.

@Duenna_M