Beefing up service at the Bellville police station charge office is one of several measures proposed by Bellville Community Police Forum (BCPF) to fight crime.
At its first public meeting of the year, at the Sanlam building, on Thursday Feburary 16, the forum’s spokesman Tommy Milakovic, outlined his plans to make the charge office more accessible to the public; get volunteers to help with commissioner of oaths functions and have the CPF and neighbourhood watch working in the operation room to give daily support to the police.
The forum’s Cheryl Cowley will run the project to support victims of crime at the police station and she is looking for anyone who can help. “Ms Cowley has an inner strength that shines through, which will play a valuable role in supporting victims,” said Mr Milakovic.
Boston Neighbourhood Watch chairman Stephan Fourie will run a project to clean up the green belt and make it safer through joint operations. He will also plan ways to control illegal squatting there.
The forum will continue with its awards project highlighting the efforts of CPF and neighbourhood watch members.
There is also a desire to “get back to basics” through prioritising training for the 21 watches that are part of the forum and strengthening partnerships with them by establishing a consultative neighbourhood watch forum.
The CPF wants to establish regular joint operations with neighbourhood watches, the police and other crime-fighting structures.
Mr Milakovic said they would need the support of the community and local businesses to ensure the success of the various projects.