RAG reports on achievements, crime trends and plans to protect Bedfordview

At its recent AGM, community security NPO Residents Action Group (RAG) updated residents on its achievements and plans to ensure the safety of Bedfordview residents.

RAG’s approach to protecting people and properties is a zero-tolerance for crime, the use of technology, crime intelligence and community participation, said RAG chairperson Anjela da Silva.

RAG’s achievements during the past year included upgrading and revamping its security control centre in Bedfordview.

Da Silva reported that RAG now has one of the fastest response times in the industry, based on the statistics from a leading industry technology platform provider.

“This is a significant accomplishment that speaks to the efficiency and dedication of our team. Despite our previous response times being good, we went on an explicit drive to cut these down by an average of 30%.”

RAG’s website was transformed and updated during the year, and she invited residents to visit it for more information on RAG and its role in the community for the past 22 years: https://bedfordviewrag.co.za/
Solar project.

RAG’s solar streetlights project, which was launched in January 2024, has resulted in the installation of 62 solar lights.

RAG has been on a drive to use AI and camera technology to assist with crime prevention and post-incident investigation in Bedfordview.

Da Silva reported that two notable AI camera projects have been rolled out.

“The first installation is near the Boeing Road N3 underpass. This was recently rolled out and will go a long way to prevent crime in that area, including smash and grabs.

In her report, Da Silva shared some of RAG’s crime statistics but noted that these only reflect incidents that RAG tracks and responds to.

“These statistics are purely indicative and are skewed towards serious crime as some of the lesser crimes are not always recorded.

“Furthermore, these statistics will not include all other incidents reported to the SAPS for the Bedfordview precinct.”

She noted that from January to August 2024, the RAG statistics showed that house robberies, house break-ins and attempted break-ins accounted for 34% of all incidents.

Armed and attempted robberies make up 14% of incidents; 13% of crimes were cable and infrastructure theft and motor vehicle theft accounted for 5%.

“Compared to last year’s statistics, we’ve seen an increase in house robberies, kidnapping and cybercrime, which is worrying,” Da Silva stated.

She stressed, however, that much is being done at a provincial and national level to identify the kingpins and syndicates involved.

In July this year, the SAPS anti-kidnapping unit, working with several private security firms, arrested 14 kidnapping suspects linked to syndicates that abduct businessmen for ransom.

Gate tampering is a major issue.

A new security solution for small residences and an innovative gate monitoring device are among the new products launched by RAG during this year.

“Gate tampering continues to be a major issue. Our gate monitoring device links to our control centre and RAG is immediately alerted if someone has attempted to tamper with your gate,” she explained.

RAG is also using more intelligent off-site guarding and monitoring, which incorporates camera technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor properties and ensure that potential threats are identified.

“This technology removes the human element from the situation as all monitoring and guarding is done remotely.

“If a threat is identified, RAG immediately gets notified and dispatches an armed response vehicle to investigate.

Of course, privacy and confidentiality are at the top of everyone’s mind at all times,” Da Silva said.

She outlined RAG’s top objectives for the coming year.
These include continuing with infrastructure improvements, invest

ing in and using more technology to prevent and fight crime, partnering with key stakeholders in the community to fight crime and striving for excellent response times.

In her AGM report, Da Silva thanked everyone in the RAG team who is helping to keep Bedfordview safe, including her fellow volunteer directors, Colin McCrorie, Gavin Fisher, Zishaan Singh and Duran Vieira.

She also recognised RAG general manager Mark Morris, the reaction, control centre and administration teams.

“As a community NPO, RAG’s work is a monumental team effort. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my incredible team, each member of our community and our dedicated partners P&C Security Services, who work tirelessly to uphold the safety of Bedfordview,” she said.