Crime prompts residents to enclose Jansen Park

Jansen Park residents are proposing for the area to be enclosed for greater safety.

The residents believe the enclosure could help monitor movement, thereby lessening crime.

Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser about the proposed enclosure, Ettiene Oberholzer, a Jansen Park Residents’ Association (JPRA) committee member, said community members have talked about enclosing the area for a few years because crimes like burglaries and muggings are a problem.

“I was a victim of crime a few years ago. My mother and I were attacked with an axe in 2016 on Edgar Road by a man who tried to break into my house,” he said.

Oberholzer said the JPRA’s objective is to enclose the suburb with fully reinstated boundary walls, a boomed and security-monitored vehicle entrance and identified and secured pedestrian entry/exit points.

“This will promote the safety of residents and protect them against crime-related activities,” he said.

The detailed proposal is as follows:
• Edgar Road: complete closure, no access. Gates can be opened in the case of an emergency.
• Jacobs Street: complete closure, no access. Gates can be opened in the case of an emergency.
• Corner O’Hare and Rigg streets: closure in O’Hare with a controlled pedestrian gate that will be open from 06:00 to 18:00 for individuals/workers on foot and old age home residents.
• Rigg Street: halfway down will be a boomed and controlled access point for vehicles with the relevant security and cameras.
• Olivia Road by the footbridge: a pedestrian turnstile will be open from 06:00 to 18:00. This will be a controlled access point for pedestrians with the relevant security and cameras.
• Corner of Edgar Road and Vickers Street: there will be a pedestrian turnstile open from 06:00 to 18:00. It will be a monitored access point for pedestrians with the relevant security and cameras.

The committee member said they already have preliminary approval from the metro to go ahead with their plans. Furthermore, he said hundreds of residents had already signed legal consent forms in support of the enclosure.

“We also have the support of the day hospital and old age home in the area, as well as other business entities. Once we have enough consent forms signed, we will go back to the relevant stakeholders for a final decision.

“We have done our research and took everything, such as traffic and fire hydrants, into consideration,” he said.

Oberholzer said membership will be open to all residents or homeowners in the streets of Rietfontein Road, Edgar Road, O’Hare Street, Moore Street, Jacobs Street, Ernst Street, Pellisier Street, Melman Street, President Street, Rigg Street, Vickers Street, Olivia Road, Sydney Road in the suburb of Jansen Park, irrespective of tenure.

“The enclosure will cost money, so we will need community members to contribute, perhaps monthly, to the initiative. Residents and stakeholders can donate towards the project as they wish, whether they sign the consent form or not,” he said.

Jansen Park resident Elizabeth van Eck said transforming Jansen Park into an enclosed, gated community has the potential to enhance safety and foster a sense of community among residents.

“I think it is an excellent idea, and it would work. It could create a secure environment where families feel safe to enjoy parks and amenities, while also promoting a close-knit neighbourhood atmosphere where neighbours can easily connect and support each other,” she said.

Melanie van Niekerk, also a resident, is also in favour of enclosing the area.

“There are many feet in the area, and the crime has been high for the past few years. The enclosure will also help make the community safer for children,” she said.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she supports enclosing the area.

“I think they should lift the booms completely for maybe 30 minutes during morning and evening peak traffic.”

Also Read: Market brings welcome boost to Lilianton enclosure project

Also Read: Market for Lilianton enclosure well supported