Why this line of work? Jason: From when I was in my mother’s womb, all I wanted to do was become a police officer and serve my country. After I achieved that goal, I still wanted to stay within the safety and security industry – that, and my career as a swimsuit model didn’t work out. I love being involved in the community and helping where I can. I enjoy the rush and camaraderie from everyone when chasing after a suspect. Donovan: I guess I watched too many action movies growing up. I always wanted to be in the armed forces. After school I joined the Air Force and wanted to be a pilot. They quickly told me I wouldn’t be touching their planes, so I became a Medical Technician. I left the air force after four years and went straight into private security.
How important is it for the people of Hermanus to also be a part of this team? Jason: Hermanus is lucky to have several dedicated entities all working towards the one goal of keeping the town, its residents, and visitors safe. It may appear at times that we are all working in our own individual silos, but when something happens, there is nothing better than seeing how the police, Law Enforcement, neighbourhood watches and security companies all work together to safeguard Hermanus. Donovan: As a community, we all need to work together to make Hermanus a better place. In my private capacity, I saw that if good people do nothing, evil will flourish, and as such I was one of the founding members of the Hermanus Neighbourhood Watch and am the current chairman. We have built up a good team of patrollers who assist in patrolling the streets at night, making Hermanus a safer place.
What are the biggest crime issues for Hermanus – and what can the public do about it, to help? Jason: Most crimes in Hermanus are petty and opportunist crimes. We often see the same repeat offenders released onto the streets after a few months and sometimes after a few days. These offenders walk the streets looking for easy access to properties or unattended property lying around. The public can do their bit by making sure their windows are closed and doors locked and turn on their alarms when they’e not home, if they have outside beams, turn them on, even if they are home. If they see or hear anything suspicious, pick up the phone and phone us. Donovan: The two biggest crimes we face are break-ins and theft out of motor vehicles. A lot of incidents could be prevented if members of the public just pay a little more attention to their own personal security. By just arming the alarm system, and not leaving valuable items in plain sight in the yard or car, the opportunistic crime would get a lot less.
If any younger, school-going residents of Hermanus are thinking of joining this industry one day – do you have any advice for them? Jason: There are several exciting fields in the security industry. Don’t just settle in one field. Take the time and learn from the bottom working your way up. Too many kids nowadays want to walk into cushy office jobs where they don’t have to do physical work. There is a need in South Africa for skilled labour, don’t be afraid to put in the time and effort to develop the skills. In our industry, there is always a need for good alarm technicians and CCTV technicians where you can learn skills that will help you later in life. Donovan: The industry is growing, and I don’t think it’s going to change anytime soon. There are so many different avenues to pursue, from armed officers to contact centre agents to accountants. What is important is that they look for companies like us that develop staff, through internal and external training and learnerships.
