By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Wind Crest community members are in good hands. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, this area’s lower crime rate coupled with Wind Crest’s thoughtful security measures work in tandem to keep residents safe.

Preventative measures for small crimes
Highlands Ranch is actually a relatively safe area to begin with, says Dep. Cocha Heyden of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. “We don’t see much in the way of violent crimes around here,” she says. “But even the safest areas—including Highlands Ranch—have their share of property crimes.”

“These crimes usually occur as a result of people leaving their garages open and cars unlocked,” she says. Dep. Heyden says measures like Wind Crest’s 24-hour security entrance, and vehicle and foot patrols, are effective in minimizing and even preventing these types of crimes. “With their security entrance, you won’t have people getting in there who shouldn’t be there,” she says.

That alone provides a certain level of comfort. But according to Paul Loveland, facilities manager, it’s just the beginning of the safety and security measures in place at the community.

“Anyone who doesn’t have a Wind Crest ID badge is greeted at their vehicle by security at the guard tower entrance,” he says. “That person asks why they’re here, who they’re coming to see, and can direct them to where they want to go.”

If a visitor isn’t sure who they’re meeting with, security staff will attempt to confirm the legitimacy of their visit by phone, Loveland says.

Security guards are EMTs
At Wind Crest, most of the security guards are also certified Emergency  Medical Technicians, or EMTs. They’re ready if you should ever require  immediate medical attention. “There’s always at least one trained EMT on duty, if not two or three,” Loveland says.