NPO Residents Action Group (RAG Security) has responded to close to 39 000 alarm activations and more than 9 000 panic alerts in the past year.

The organisation’s reaction officers have undertaken more than 335 000km patrolling to keep Bedfordview residents and their properties safe – equivalent to 8.4 times around the earth.

RAG’s vigilance led to 23 arrests, including assisting in capturing a notorious house robbery suspect wanted for murder in Gauteng.

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These were some of the crime-fighting statistics shared by RAG chairperson Anjela da Silva at the NPO’s recent AGM.

Addressing RAG members and the Bedfordview community at the meeting on October 15, Da Silva reported that the past year brought both challenges and significant achievements in community safety.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on a year that tested our resolve and showcased the incredible spirit of Bedfordview,” she said.

“Despite spikes in crime, economic pressures, and ongoing threats to infrastructure, we have not only endured; we have advanced.”

Collaborative efforts for community security

A cornerstone of RAG’s strategy over the past year has been the integration of advanced technology into community security.

A standout project was the completion of the Boeing Road N3 underpass security initiative, a joint effort with the Essexwold Fairway Residents Association.

The AI-powered camera system now monitors this previously high-risk area 24/7, with early reports indicating a significant drop in smash-and-grab incidents.

This forms part of a broader plan to roll out AI-enabled security cameras across vulnerable “frontline” properties bordering highways, parks, and greenbelts.

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RAG further cemented its collaborative approach by formalising a partnership with the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) and three local security companies – P&C, BHT, and BSG.

Together, they have repaired and activated 30 license plate recognition (LPR) cameras across Bedfordview, with a plan to increase this number to 45 by year-end.

“Security cannot be siloed. The strength of this partnership lies in shared infrastructure, shared intelligence, and a shared commitment to protecting Bedfordview,” Da Silva stressed.

Beyond technology, RAG continued to empower the community through several initiatives, including its solar streetlight project, a new special operations vehicle, and dedicated active patrols.

While donations to the solar project have been slightly impacted by reduced loadshedding, Da Silva noted that the rollout of solar lighting remains a crime prevention priority, because criminals often target electrical residential meters and substations.

“We need to light up all dark corners and areas around vulnerable infrastructure,” she said.

RAG introduced and equipped its special operations vehicle recently to provide a rapid response to special emergencies, including minor fires.

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RAG’s dedicated active patrols at various locations and high-risk sites have led to a substantial reduction in incidents, including zero crime at a facility previously plagued by car thefts.

Incidents recorded

From October 1, 2024, to September 30m this year, RAG recorded 94 security incidents in Sectors 1 and 2.

Of these, 30% were house burglaries or armed robberies, 17% attempted crimes (robberies, burglaries, and theft), and 10% were general theft, including mobile phone and fuel theft.

Da Silva explained that of the 38 995 alarm activations that RAG responded to, 72% were false alarms.

During the past year, the NPO has maintained an average response time of under three minutes, which is among the best in the country, she reported.

RAG this year launched innovative new products to enhance the community’s safety. Apartment Fortress is a cost-effective alarm monitoring and armed response solution for smaller homes. Gate Guardian is a tamper-detection system that alerts RAG when gates are lifted or interfered with. It also enables remote access for emergencies.

Fundraisers and going the extra mile

RAG’s commitment to the community extends beyond security.

Da Silva told the AGM attendees that in the past year, RAG has distributed 91 care packs to victims of crime and trauma.

The NPO has partnered with Psych Matters to offer RAG members a discount on trauma counselling.

RAG supported Vryburger High School with a fundraiser this year, enabling a donation of R10 000 along with food and other items.

Cleanups, especially at crime-prone areas like the Boeing Road underpass, form part of RAG’s ongoing commitment to building a better Bedfordview.

“We believe that a clean, cared-for suburb attracts fewer crime. By supporting and collaborating with Better Bedfordview, which RAG originally founded, we help create an environment where criminals have fewer places to hide and residents feel a greater sense of pride,” Da Silva said.

Further reflecting its care for the community, RAG responded to ongoing water outages by installing a JoJo tank and the infrastructure to link to the existing borehole at the Belgravia Bowling Club. With the club’s permission, the community is allowed to use this water as needed.

Goals for the year ahead

RAG’s goals for the year ahead include expanding AI camera coverage to vulnerable zones; deepening partnerships with the BCPF and private security providers; empowering residents through tools like The Safety App; and investing in staff training, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Da Silva concluded her report by emphasising that RAG is much more than a security provider.

“RAG is a professional, community-led, safety-focused NPO whose priority is to provide the best team and safety service for the benefit of our community.”

She thanked the “heroes on the ground” who ensure that RAG can deliver on its promise – from control centre operators and reaction officers to the administration team and strategic partners. She offered special

appreciation to RAG’s general manager, Mark Morris, and volunteer directors Gavin Fisher, Colin McCrorie, Duran Vieira, and Zishaan Singh for their tireless efforts.