Top six priorities for business security this festive season

Issue 7 2022 News & Events

With the festive season approaching, it is not just residential crime that is a concern. Business-related crimes continue unabated, and any business keeping large amounts of cash on the premises presents a definite risk for everyone working there.


Wahl Bartmann.

Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, encourages business owners to brief their staff and be extra vigilant. “At this time of year it is not uncommon to see criminals enter a business posing as a customer or as a delivery supplier, and then proceed to hold staff at gunpoint. We also continue to see businesses being targeted during opening and closing times. If they know there is something worthwhile to take, a small window of opportunity when a staff member is vulnerable is all criminals need. To avoid being targeted, business owners need to prioritise safety and get security in place which is linked to an armed response service.”

Bartmann offers his top six priorities to consider to keep your business safe:

1. Control access: It is very important that businesses, as far as possible, ensure that there is some form of controlled access. “A locked security gate can provide you with a few vital minutes to evaluate a situation before the suspects are actually in the premises. If you feel something is not right, don’t open the gate.

2. Make sure all staff know the safety drills: Ensure staff are adequately briefed on security measures and remain vigilant about making a conscious effort to keep their workplace safe. Staff should carry panic buttons at all times and not hesitate to use them if they see something or someone suspicious.

3. Lock up in pairs: Ideally, two people should be tasked with locking up the business and ensuring the premises are secure at the end of the day.

4. Do not keep large amounts of cash onsite: It is not advisable to withdraw large amounts of cash from the bank or keep large amounts of cash onsite. Ensure you have a regular collection of your cash so your loss, in case of an incident, is minimal.

5. Check your perimeter security: Now is also the opportune moment to check your perimeter security and have any vulnerable areas reinforced. Start with your fence, wall and gate. Check that there are no overhanging trees or bushes that could be used to climb into the property. Make sure your gate is secured so it can’t be lifted off the hinges or put into manual overdrive easily. Bartmann also highly recommends investing in beams that cover the outer perimeter. Beams provide an instant alert should intruders get through the perimeter security.

6. Test your alarm system regularly: Just like residential properties, businesses should also test their alarm systems are in working order before the festive season hits. “If you suspect there is a fault, arrange for a technician to visit the site sooner rather than later,” he says. If you are closing up your business over the December break, ensure that the property is secured and alarms are set.

“Make sure the contact person on your business security profile is available, should there be an alarm activation. You may also want to consider a guard to keep an eye on the property over the holidays. Make sure to book a guard early as it is a popular time for events,” adds Bartmann.

“Criminals will no doubt be doing their ‘shopping’ in the coming weeks. However, if all staff are vigilant and alert to potential risks, you can avoid becoming a statistic. Remember that criminals will take any gap to get onto your property. Good security starts with your perimeter and should be peeled back, like the layers of an onion, right to the core, including your parking, entrance and interior. If you feel you could do with an expert opinion to assist in a security system check, have a professional risk assessment done by your security provider,” he concludes.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Highest increase in global cyberattacks in two years
Information Security News & Events
Check Point Global Research released new data on Q2 2024 cyber-attack trends, noting a 30% global increase in Q2 2024, with Africa experiencing the highest average weekly per organisation.

Read more...
The power of PKI and private sector innovation
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events Government and Parastatal (Industry)
At the recent ID4Africa 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa, the spotlight was firmly on building secure, inclusive, and scalable digital identity ecosystems for the African continent.

Read more...
Bosch Security renamed Keenfinity
News & Events
Globally renowned brands for video systems, access control and intrusion alarm systems, as well as communication systems, unite under the roof of the new company Keenfinity Group.

Read more...
2025 video surveillance market set for improved fortunes
News & Events Surveillance
Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition, forecasting a healthy growth rate of 8,1% until 2029, excluding China.

Read more...
Wialon announces integration with fleet maintenance and optimisation platform
News & Events Transport (Industry) Logistics (Industry)
Fleet management software platform integrates with a fleet maintenance and optimisation platform to support mutual customers for better workflows and deeper insights into fleet operations.

Read more...
DeepSneak deception
Information Security News & Events
Kaspersky Global Research & Analysis researchers have discovered a new malicious campaign which is distributing a Trojan through a fake DeepSeek-R1 Large Language Model (LLM) app for PCs.

Read more...
Almost 50% of companies choose to pay the ransom
News & Events Information Security
This year’s Sophos State of Ransomware 2025 report found that nearly 50% of companies paid the ransom to get their data back, the second-highest rate of ransom payment for ransom demands in six years.

Read more...
Value and industry insight
Securex South Africa Training & Education News & Events
Securex South Africa 2025, co-located with A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo, drew thousands of security professionals from across the continent and beyond, offering a platform for networking, product discovery, and knowledge sharing.

Read more...
Gallagher Security achieves ISO 27001 recertification
News & Events Training & Education
Gallagher Security has successfully achieved certification to the updated ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This accomplishment builds on previous certifications and reflects a continued commitment to the highest standards of information security.

Read more...
Survey highlights cost of cyberdamage to industrial companies
Kaspersky Information Security News & Events
The majority of industrial organisations estimate their financial losses caused by cyberattacks to be over $1 million, while almost one in four report losses exceeding $5 million, and for some, it surpasses $10 million.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.