Safety forum appeals for support
Help the Bulwer Community Safety Forum reach its full potential.
THE Bulwer Community Safety Forum (BCSF) is appealing to the community for support.
According to chairperson, Heather Rorick, the forum is more than just a community watch. It prides itself in the work it does.
“A lot of people view us as a community watch which does patrols in the area, but we take on a lot more in the community. We sit in on meetings with government departments such as Safer Cities and Metro Police, as well as the ward councillor, and push issues affecting the community. We are then able to come up with solutions to issues and give feedback to the community,” she said.
The forum conducts patrols in the area, with patrol members giving up their own time and forking out of their own pocket for petrol, in an effort to help the community.
“We get criticised that we don’t take a rough stance on criminals and prostitutes in the area, however we are not going to fight crime with crime. People should not be negative about the work we do, but should start encouraging us,” said Heather.
Heather and the forum secretary, Odette Louwrens, are not employed full time and would like to put their efforts into making the forum a successful entity and take cleaning up the community seriously.
“We would like to have an office where we can work from every day, but unfortunately do not have funds to establish one.. Any sponsorship would be appreciated. We would also like to have training in first aid and to learn how to secure a crime scene, as well as basic self defence,” she said.
Donations such as decals, more two-way radios, cellphone airtime, reflective jackets, bright torches, pepper spray, first aid kits, latex gloves, rubber gloves, strong towing rope, fire extinguishes, danger tape, cable ties, duct tape, a laptop, a camera, a dictaphone, paper, ink cartridges and cash donations for petrol would be appreciated.
“We want to work with SAPS, the Umbilo CPF and Metro Police as well as governmental departments to fight crime in the community, and make a difference in the area,” said Heather.
The next community meeting is on 11 March at Glenwood Community Church, Bulwer Road at 6.15pm.
