Hillcrest Park
Welcome to the Hillcrest Park blue zone
My best guess is that you are on this page to discover more about the how’s, why’s, whereabouts, and who’s of the Hillcrest Park Neighbourhood Watch (HPNW) Project. More importantly, you probably want to explore the benefits of being a part of this Blue Zone. Rest assured, you have reached your information destination!
Whether you have been a part of the project since day one or you are a new member of the team – either way, this page will provide you with a rundown of how and why the HPNW came into existence and inform you of the many benefits that project members have access to.
Why was the HPNW initiated?
In September 2012, the HPNW Project was born out of a need to reduce crime in the area like most neighbourhood projects are. Home invasions, theft, and hijackings were at an all-time high in Durban, and Hillcrest Park residents resented being targeted and refused to be victims of crime any longer.
The community rallied together to come up with a solution to the issues they were facing and formed the HPNW, which concentrated on crime prevention and removing the causes of crime. This ‘broken window‘ model – which was featured in a number of media reports – is built around the theory that “visible signs of disorder and misbehaviour in an environment encourage further disorder and misbehaviour, leading to serious crimes”.
The slogan ‘Grime leads to crime, and crime escalates’ was coined and is the rallying cry for the ecological and environmental projects HPNW has become known for, with their significant areas of nature and rail reserves.
The community openly supported the call to eradicate crime from their neighbourhood and the project gained traction rapidly, the goal was shared among community members and the growth was explosive. With the strategically structured community policing efforts in place the HPNW committee understood the need for an enhanced additional layer of security. So, the HPNW partnered with Blue Security to secure their community.
HPNW was one of the very first areas within Upper Highway to formalise a patrol strategy and schedule with trained members, constitute a CPF subforum, and get involved in joint ops with SAPS and private security firms.
How and where was the HPNW initiated?
The HPNW is funded through community support, donations, and limited membership subscriptions. The strength of this project comes from the involvement of the community and the willingness of members to support the overall vision and strategy of the HPNW. It is evidence of the power of a united community and what can be achieved when residents work towards a common goal.
The HPNW footprint mainly covers the Hillcrest Park area, demarcated into 4 zones and they work closely with their direct neighbours in Gillitts Park and West Riding. The dedicated Community Policing Officer (CPO) patrols the demarcated area 24/7 as this vehicle is exclusive to the HPNW footprint, which ensures that members have much faster response times.
HPNW members recognise the safety benefits and can enjoy the peace of mind that a dedicated vehicle and CPO patrolling the footprint create, and encourages all residents of Hillcrest Park to join the project to secure their homes and further secure their neighbourhood.
What security benefits do HPNW Project members have access to by being a part of the project?
- Two vehicles that never leave the designated footprint ensuring faster response times.
- A dedicated project management team to assist with your queries.
- Eye-in-the-Sky cameras that monitor the surrounding areas, and, are highly visible to further serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.
- Two Free Blue Mobile Panic Apps per subscribed household.
- Ambassador and Tactical team community support for special operations.
- External perimeter and internal property checks upon request.
Wouldn’t you feel safer having these benefits? Think about the worry and angst that would be lifted off your shoulders knowing that there are eyes in the sky and feet on the street looking out for you.
Who are the main points of contact for the HPNW Project?
Project Champion
Shaun Lyle – 082 553 7399
Alternate Details
Incident Reporting – reports@mweb.co.za
General Queries – hillcrestpark@mweb.co.za
Blue Security Project Manager
Grant Laret – 083 309 2107
Community Policing Officer
HPNW patrol members have direct access to CPO’s contact number.