Empty plot in Still Street is no longer a safe place for criminals after clean-up
The massive operation spearheaded by Beagle Watch has seen a plethora of community organisations step in to assist.
The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) land along Still Street in Fairland has been given a much-needed clearing in a show of community collaboration.
The property is largely unused and has become a sanctuary for criminals who use the cover of dense trees and bushes to hide in, accessed by broken panels in the surrounding fence.
Beagle Watch Armed Response is run by Andre Aiton who said, “We know criminals use the property to run into to hide. It was impossible to see beyond the fence because of the overgrown bushes and trees. We, therefore, decided to clear the pavement and a portion of the land inside the property to improve visibility and fix broken sections of the fence.”
The project has quickly garnered support from nearby organisations such as the Community Cleaners who have stepped in to assist with clearing the land, and Fairland Hardware which donated red oxide paint for the fence, among others.
Ian Consterdine of Renico Construction brought one of his large excavators from Muldersdrift to help with digging up the large bushes and brush, removing debris and assisting with clearing trees in a project he said would take ‘a few days’.
The clean-up also has the support of Ward 98 councillor Beverly Jacobs. “After the teacher was mugged, I must commend Beagle Watch for their quick action and for getting the necessary permissions to carry out this work and for bringing various role players to the table to accomplish this. I am also following up with City Power to fix the streetlights which have not worked since June last year despite calls being logged and raised in council.”
Mike Styer, public relations officer for the Fairland CPF said, “In the last three months, there have been two muggings with the perpetrators coming from this area. We have had limited success in getting JPC to secure the perimeter so this is a welcome intervention. This kind of collaboration between businesses and residents is what is going to keep our community a safe and desirable place to live.”
JPC spokesperson Lucky Sindane said, “It is always wonderful to work with communities and the private sector who greatly assist in this way. We encourage such partnerships because working together we can do more. We will put the land out on tender as soon as we have finalised our internal processes and interested parties will be able to apply to use the land.”
The fence will be maintained and patrolled by Beagle Watch going forward.
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