Bedfordview CPF aims to launch Business Against Crime initiative
"We aim to offer more to residents and business. We want to work on a solutions-based approach."
The Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) has vowed to continue working to make the area a safer place for all who live, work and play in it.
Chairperson Mr Gavin Henry said the organisation plans to launch a Business Against Crime initiative later this year.
“We aim to offer more to residents and business. We want to work on a solutions-based approach,” said Mr Henry.
He said to this end, the BCPF will launch an initiative to support beggars and homeless people through registered charities.
Also read: ‘Don’t support beggars’ – residents
“We will soon be in talks with restaurants to help. How this will work is that willing restaurants will include a R5 donation in their bill. We will then ask patrons to pay, along with their bill, a R5 donation which will be allocated to registered charities in the area that help homeless people with various needs,” he said.
Mr Henry said the initiative will go a long way in ensuring that the needs of people who are genuinely desperate are met and that money is given where it is needed the most.
“This is a win-win situation because men and women in the community wanting to give back can do so without worrying about contributing to the begging problem we have in the suburb. Also, people who really need help are able to get help through the donations,” said Mr Henry.
Also read: Help the needy by supporting charity groups
He said during this year, the BCPF will vet all car guards operating in shopping centres the area.
“Once vetted, we will give them colour-coded vests which will be a sign to residents that they can support them. This we will do to eliminate the criminal element,” said Mr Henry.
He said restaurants wanting to get involved in the R5 plan should contact his office.
“We can be contacted on info@bcpf.co.za if any restaurants would like to get involved in the project,” said Mr Henry.
