More Bedfordview residents need to start making their own safety a priority.
This is according to a volunteer patroller of the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF), Mr Alpha Charlie.
The NEWS recently caught up with Mr Charlie, who shared his role in the community.
“I am always out on the streets of Bedfordview, patrolling and looking out for suspicious activities. Saving and sending lookout messages to residents from the SAPS is also part of what I do,” said Mr Charlie.
He encouraged residents to get involved in the fight against crime.
“I believe that if more people can get out of their houses and join community initiatives by the SAPS and BCPF, we will be well underway to eradicating crime in the area,” he said.
Mr Charlie is currently the only patroller in the area.
He said other suburbs have over 60 patrollers.
“People are reluctant to take action, but when a crime incident takes place closer to home, they are the first to demand a community meeting on social media. We need to be more proactive in the fight against crime and our residents need to realise this,” he said.
Asked why he decided to volunteer with the CPF, Mr Charlie said he always had a passion and interest in being a police reservist.
“This was the closest I could get to being involved in the fight against crime,” said Mr Charlie.
He told the NEWS that the highlights of his ‘job’ include getting positive results.
“It is rewarding when one comes across suspicious activity and reports it to the SAPS, who arrive as soon as possible and an arrest is made. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to know I have done a good job,” he said.
