Crime is too late

1 July 2015 Security Services & Risk Management

Unfortunately, crime is not a very pleasant topic and is therefore generally avoided by most. Although, being South Africans, we do mostly tend to joke about such things around the water cooler rather than take it too seriously. This results in the true value of security not being fully realised. It’s only in hindsight; after trauma, tragedy and substantial loss, that the actual security status of the home, the business or any other property vulnerable to criminal attack, is truly considered, and that is only if you are lucky enough to survive.

Companies, property managers and homeowners believe their security is adequate because they have been fortunate enough to have not been targeted by criminals ... yet. We are all guilty of entertaining the idea, or assuming a false sense of security, when the thought crosses our minds: “But that will never ever happen to me” or “No ways can something like that occur here”. Our assumptions are proved false, our tranquillity shattered and a rude awakening is received when we do find ourselves in the unfortunate position of being targeted, either directly or indirectly, by a criminal attack or intrusion of some sorts. As humans this sort of horrific ordeal can shake us to the very core.

Another influencing factor in the usually unintentional neglect of security is that it is viewed as purely expenditure and the funds necessary are not always calculated into our daily costs, company budgets or planned purchases in the future; when in fact, it should rightly be considered as an investment. This notion is strongly supported when reviewed after a crime and this is why it is necessary to consider the tactic of prevention, which is, in this case, far better than cure. Yes, your insurance may cover the loss of the home entertainment system or the office equipment. It may even allow you to upgrade on what you initially had, but can insurance cover the loss of a human life; whether it be a colleague, an employee or a member of your family? This is when crime truly is too late.

Interviews conducted with victims of crime have shown that neither prior to, or after the event, were the majority properly prepared in any manner for the attack. Especially in the case of homeowners, it was further concluded that they were not informed of the best means in which to protect their properties sufficiently either. Additionally, despite the purchase of elaborate security systems and the obvious involved costs, these individuals and entities still found that the criminals were not deterred or prevented in ultimately carrying out their mission.

It is at this point where the benefit of the independent security risk assessment should be noted. By contracting this service in regards to your property, business or home, you will be provided with an in-depth and extensive report in which all the vulnerabilities and weaknesses within your security are identified and explained in a multitude of interconnected layers.

These points create the opportunity for a crime to occur and through the removal of this vital element, proactive crime prevention can be achieved and your security risk can be greatly lessened. Additionally, the tailored security plan will include various workable and viable options to upgrade and expand your security to suit your pocket, as well as the lifestyle of your family or the nature of your business. With your security foundation strongly in place, peace of mind is possible as you would be in control of your security.

For more information contact Alwinco, +27 (0)71 623 6644, dianne@alwinco.co.za, www.alwinco.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Global security in 2026
Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
The World Security Report 2026 states: “In a world of increasing volatility, physical security has evolved. It is no longer just a defensive measure; it is a critical driver of corporate value.”

Read more...
Who is to blame for autonomous mistakes?
Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
Most supply agreements for AI-integrated equipment still closely resemble plant hire contracts from ten years ago: bilateral, human-focused, and silent on who bears the risk when a machine makes a decision on its own.

Read more...
Cyber resilience is the real defence
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security Infrastructure
Cyber resilience has evolved into a form of strategic agility, ensuring that when an interruption occurs, the business does not just survive; it snaps back into place before the market even notices a pause.

Read more...
Employees are SA’s biggest cyber threat
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security
South Africa experienced a 46% increase in insider cyber risk in 2026, surpassing the global average of 44%. What is more, 63% of South African companies surveyed expect insider-driven data losses to increase.

Read more...
The post-Q1 security checklist
Asset Management Security Services & Risk Management
By this time of year, employees have changed jobs or roles, suppliers may have changed, and devices have moved between offices, homes, and sites. This is the right time for businesses to run a practical post-Q1 security check.

Read more...
PoPIA turns its attention to gated access
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
The Information Regulator has gazetted its proposed Code of Conduct for the processing of personal information at gated access points. At 65 pages long, the code signals a significant shift in how personal information is collected and managed at entry points.

Read more...
Your company is already breached, you just do not know it yet
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Attackers are no longer relying on sophisticated exploits to break-in. Instead, they are systematically targeting weak credentials, misconfigured systems, and exposed devices stemming from preventable gaps such as identity weaknesses and poor visibility across digital environments.

Read more...
Excellerate Services sets a new standard
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Excellerate Services relies on specialist expertise and the sophistication of its operations deployment and management. Central to this is an investment in smarter, data-driven operations through the Velocity and Performance Centre platforms.

Read more...
957 women killed in three months
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Despite years of summits, task teams and public commitments, South Africa’s femicide rate remains around five times higher than the global average, and too few are using the legal lifelines available.

Read more...
The security debt hidden in residential estates
Security Services & Risk Management Integrated Solutions Residential Estate (Industry)
Many residential estates undermine their own security not through a lack of technology, but through hidden weaknesses in gate design, fragmented systems, recurring software dependence, weak operational ownership, and insufficient estate management input.

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.