The project was initiated by ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge in conjunction with Toti SAPS and the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) in March and is now being co-ordinated by Thomas Rohde. Local businesses fund a two-week training programme for car guards to learn personal hygiene, attire, interaction with the community, radio operator skills and identification of explosives.
“We now have 12 trained car guards operating in Toti,” said Cllr Beetge. “Initially there were 15, but three found permanent employment.” The guards are stationed at Lords and Legends and in Beach Road, including on the Toti Mall roof.
“Currently there are another two in training, who will be situated at Shad Place,” said Cllr Beetge. “We have the capacity to train 30 in total.”
The legal car guards are easily identified by their bright orange ‘Proudly Toti’ bibs, which were sponsored by the CCPO. On their bibs they display their photo, identity number and car guard number, which matches the number on the back of their bib. Their bright orange caps were sponsored by Graeme Bridger.
“The public needs to be aware these car guards are not paid a salary. They rely on your tips. They will not always be visible, because they work in shifts and they will position themselves in places that are most lucrative for them.”
To sponsor a car guard, contact Cllr Beetge on 082-718-8137.
