MEMBERS of the Honeydew policing cluster held their first annual awards ceremony at Little Falls, Roodepoort, this week.

MEMBERS of the Honeydew policing cluster held their first annual awards ceremony at Little Falls, Roodepoort, this week.

The cluster includes Honeydew, Roodepoort, Randburg, Douglasdale and Florida.

Police officers, administrative staff and community policing forum members were recognised for performing excellently and putting in efforts that exceeded the boundaries of their regular duties.

Assistant Commissioner Oswald Reddy handed out the awards.

Reddy said: "We want to celebrate our successes, recognise, respect and reward those members who work so hard out in the field.

"We also want to recognise those who have partnered with us in the fight against crime such as the community policing forums.

"Mobilising the communities has become our key focus in the fight against crime, and we cannot win this fight against crime if we do not have communitysupport.

"We want to show gratitude and appreciation for the work that people do. This is going to boost their morale andmotivate them."

A total of 135 awards were given in recognition of duties such as confiscation of gun successful arrests and convictions, top cop, top reservist and support service awards.

Randburg police station received the best overall excellence award as well as the best crime prevention award.

Roodepoort police station received the best detective award.

Florida police station received the award for best complaint attendance.

Forty-six police officers who have completed 10 and 20 years of service were also recognised by being awarded medals.

In line with Reddy's vision to recognise community support against crime, 72 awards were handed out to members of the public.

"I am convinced that we are going to reduce, stabilise and prevent crime, not only in the Honeydew cluster, but in the whole of South Africa," Reddy said.