Bobbies on the Beat keep down crime

BOBBIES on the Beat have earned local support from businesses in Helen Joseph Road who are fully behind the partnership between Bulwer Community Safety Forum and Mzansi Security.

Businesses who have taken on Mzansi as their inhouse security company, along with enjoying the added security of the bobbies on the beat from 6pm to 6am, and the dedicated patrol car, have only good things to say about the service.

Marcel Whatley from Deli, said since the guards had been patrolling the street, he has felt safer.

“The guards are around from 6pm until I close at 9pm and I can see it has gotten busier. People feel they can park outside and pop in, and that their cars are safe parked in the road. Heather Rorick and myself have worked very closely with the partnership with Mzansi and find it very disconcerting that other businesses taking advantage of this guarding have not got on board and contacted Mzansi or Heather to get involved. Once we have businesses and homes in this road on board, we can focus on other roads in the area,” he said.

Henry Langa from Woolworths said there had been a drop in the number of vagrants outside his store at night and in the early morning.

“There has been a big decrease in the numbers of vagrants who used to sleep outside, and I feel this has been a positive move for us. The Bulwer Community Safety Forum has helped the shop a lot and plays a key role in cleaning up our area, so we are happy to support the initiative. I have received comments from shoppers about the change, which is great. We have been trying to come up with a solution to the problem of vagrants and are pleased to be a part of this project. We hope other businesses will join to help sustain the initiative,” he said.

Diane Martin from Stella Sports Club said she felt this was a great community initiative.

“I heard about the meeting held about the initiative and as I've always supported the Bulwer Community Safety Forum, I was happy to get involved. It's been absolutely fantastic. The guards walk through our premises and I have seen them patrol all around. They even stopped men from breaking into my husband's car and took them to SAPS. It's been a good switch for us and we are very impressed. The initiative is living up to what was promised at the meeting, so far so good,” she said.

Goodness Sikhosana from Julios Restaurant, said the guarding has been amazing.

“I'm very happy with this and can see the difference already. The guards are always around, you don't have to look for them. Our parking is always dark and it is so good to have them around. I always see the Bulwer Community Safety Forum members patrolling, it is such a blessing to have this partnership in the area,” she said.

Heather Rorick from Bulwer Community Safety Forum said she had seen people walking up Helen Joseph Road as late as 10pm.

“I saw a woman walking alone, and she said since the bobbies on the beat had been around she felt safe to walk, as the guards walked with her, or radioed up to the next guard to keep an eye out for her. It is much safer for people going to Checkers and restaurants late at night, it's definitely made a 100 per cent difference. A lot of people living in other roads have contacted me to get involved as they have noticed the difference,” she said.

Heather said time was running out as businesses and residents had until 15 August to get on board and benefit from the service.

“If people don't want to change their home or business security company, they can still contribute towards the bobby project,” she said.