I have been overwhelmed by e-mails following my “wake up call” message. So many people want to assist and become involved in the fight against crime, but don’t really know what to do.  My view is that in order to give up your hugely valuable time, the contribution you make must be meaningful.  It’s no good faffing around on the soft issues.  If you become a reservist at the charge office it must free a policeman up to go out and be visible.  We’ve put a great deal of thought about constructive ways for any resident to become involved. Here they are to get us started:  You can do 1 thing, or all 12!!!

1.Give us at least 5 names and e-mail addresses of people living in your street.  A larger database means the sharing of more valuable information. 
2.Appoint yourself as the Captain of your street and liase with us.  Meet the Cluster Commander in charge of your area.  Exchange the correct and most effective phone numbers.
3.Arrange foot patrols in your street – sponsor walkie talkie radios.  Get people working in shifts – make it fun – get to know everyone in the road!  I can guarantee that if Eddy Road residents had evening street patrols, our armed robbery would not have happened.  This to me is essential – should be happening yesterday!!!!
4.Report anything suspicious to your security company or police contacts.  Here are a few valuable numbers:
Colonel Sambo: 082 822 8062Colonel Thappeli: 082 494 0269 BCPF office: 011 450 4376
5. Get fund raising.  We always need vehicles.  Maybe you or your company could donate a vehicle?
6. Work in the client service centre.
 7. Do you have accommodation for a policeman?  It’s so much easier as a policeman to live nearby where you work.  Travelling to work for 2 hours will take it out of anyone.
8.Send your domestic worker and gardener to the Domestic Workers’Forum.
9.Secure your own home and street.  A closed road is a huge deterrent.  In my road we have high cameras which are linked to my office.  I can see every angle of my street as I’m writing now.
10.Help us to develop a website which is far reaching and powerful.
11. Donate to our new Police Station.  Banking details:Bedfordview Precinct First National BankBedford Gardens Code: 25-21-55Account: 59631166864 12. Read the Bedfordview Edenvale News – become alert and alive to your community.
Have a fantastic week.
Marina Constas
Chairperson Bedfordview Community Police Forum
Director – BBM Inc Attorneys