Many people who work in the Joburg CBD will agree that crime in this part of the city is growing fast.

Many people who work in the Joburg CBD will agree that crime in this part of the city is growing fast.

The areas that are worst affected are those closer to Hillbrow and Joubert Park. The criminals are getting the upper hand and that is because there is no visible policing.

And because there is little police and security presence these law enforcers are sometimes victims of crime themselves.

But despite this challenge I would like the city's security guards, especially those guys dressed in green and yellow, to know that they are appreciated.

I am calling on people who live and work in the CBD to recognise these security guards.

Get to know these guards. When you see them say "hello", ask them their names and talk with them a little.

It is these personal touches that makes them know that they are an asset and that you appreciate their efforts.

President Thabo Mbeki called on us to become involved in preventing crime and not just be on the look out for criminals.

We can make friends and influence outcomes by being interested in those who make sure that our lives are protected from criminals.

Ann Barnes, Johannesburg