Winston Park’s Hayden leaves legacy in crime prevention
According to Johnson, the Winston Park Guardians has contributed to the massive drop in criminal activity in the area and the employment of former law enforcement officers as guards and rangers has been a positive factor.
THE Winston Park community bids farewell to the founding member of the five-year-old, Winston Park Guardians (WPG), Hayden Johnson.
Johnson may be relocating but he will remain actively involved in the running the WPG.
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“The Winston Park Guardians is a registered section 21 not-for profit company owned completely by us WP residents: you, me, our neighbours, families and friends. This gives us the power to; take back control of our neighbourhood, increase the value of our properties, create a lifestyle of a desirable freehold-type gated estate and provide a safe environment for children and families to enjoy,” he said.
According to Johnson, in 2013 when he moved to the area there was a massive crime issue. “We were attacked within six weeks of moving here and we were one of five homes to be targeted in that period,” he said.
This is a 100 per cent community owned project operating under the Winston Park Guardians. This means that all money coming in goes directly back into crime prevention and Winston Park community initiatives.
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According to Johnson, the organisation has contributed to the massive drop in criminal activity in the area and the employment of former law enforcement officers as guards and rangers has been a positive factor.
“Historically the vast majority of our crime came from the gorges and cliffs around Winston Park, however, crime has now evolved to the extent that all areas of Winston Park are equally at risk.
“We employed a team of highly skilled Rangers to patrol and monitor our roads and bush around the clock, both physically and by means of hi-tech covert surveillance and detection equipment. Rangers are typically ex SAPS, military or security personnel and live with their families in Winston Park as members of our community, he said.
Paul Houston, a former police officer and member of the Johannesburg Flying squad, has been a ranger for three years said some of the frequent crimes committed include trespassing and recently a theft of a bicycle.
“The strategic approach of WPG is one of pro-action, rather than reaction as our goal is to stop criminals before they reach our homes. We don’t want the crime and trauma to happen in the first place,” said Johnson.
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