BECOME a hero ‘bobby on the beat’ by volunteering for the Bluff’s Community Orientated Policing (COP) high visibility unit.
The high visibility or foot beat unit is made up of retired residents and those who work from home who have flexible hours.
COP chairman, Rake Jeeves describes the unit as a ‘bobby on the beat’ type of operation in reference to their patrols set up to discourage and detect crime.
At the helm of the unit is COP section leader, Sue Wellbeloved, a COP member since its inception. Dressed in COP uniform and shorts to combat the heat, the group walks along the Bluff’s roads and in chopping centres to act as a deterrent to would-be opportunistic criminals.
“The fact that this particular unit of COP is made up of mostly retired people makes me think of them as heroes. They could easily be relaxing but they decided to get stuck in and help the SAPS fight crime. They have put in about 1,000 hours of foot beat over the last year.
Deterring criminals as opposed to catching them after the fact is first prize but unfortunately it’s not measurable but I can guarantee this unit has deterred hundreds of crimes from happening,” said Jeeves.
The unit remains in contact with other COP members and Blue security via two way radio and calls for back up when required. Brighton Beach SAPS’ Warrant Officer Van Vuuren also works closely with them, going so far as to join them on patrol when he has the opportunity.
“The back-up and support from the SAPS has been fantastic and we thank them for that.
The foot beat unit’s operations have also led to arrests after observing suspicious activity and calling it in. One that stands out for me was the arrest of a guy who stole a dog in Winchelsea Avenue. This arrest came as a direct result of the COP foot beat unit’s observations and calling in help.”
Wellbeloved is looking to expand the unit and calls on any retired residents or those with free time to volunteer. For information or to join up email geoffw48@gmail.com.
