Make sure you ask the right questions

1 May 2019 Security Services & Risk Management

Appointing an armed response company for your home is becoming increasingly essential with latest crime stats released by Fidelity ADT pointing towards housebreaking and common thefts as the most often reported types of crime.

Selecting a new security company can be a daunting task if you haven’t figured out what you’re looking for. Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, suggests weighing all the options before deciding. She says there are four questions to ask.

1. Are their officers properly trained and equipped?

“This is crucial in the case of an emergency; a security provider that deploys efficient and well-trained officers should be a top priority,” advises Hattingh. It is advisable to ask the company what kind of training their response officers have received. It is also imperative to be aware of what kind of protective items they carry when patrolling and responding to emergencies. For example, do they have vehicles with armour plated windows, and are the officers protected with Kevlar vests?

2. Is the security company compliant?

Check if the company is registered with the industry regulatory agency, like the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). A company that isn’t registered won’t be held accountable for providing officers who are subpar. Non-compliant organisations are not bound to the industry’s regulations, which can negatively impact its services and employees. “The onus lies with the public to ask the relevant questions before entering into any agreement, and to be on the lookout for any potential ‘fly-by-night’ security providers,” says Hattingh.

3. What are you looking for?

There are many technical advances to make things convenient and give you peace of mind. CCTV cameras, home monitoring automation systems and mobile panic buttons are some of options available to homeowners. The company should keep abreast with the latest industry trends. “Technology available on your smartphone can help you to arm or disarm your system remotely and view your property through security cameras, aside from receiving a notification when your alarm is set off,” explains Hattingh.

4. What is the cost?

Ask about hidden cost and know what you will be paying for. To ensure good value for money, become acquainted with the various services on offer to suit your needs. “There is a big difference between merely offering a monitoring service as opposed to a full armed response service. Ask exactly what you will get for your money,” says Hattingh.

“Doing your homework and considering all of these factors will help you find the best security company to keep you and your loved ones safe.”

For more information, contact Fidelity-ADT, +27 11 697 7271, [email protected], www.adt.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The role of drones in farm protection
Agriculture (Industry) Security Services & Risk Management
Laurence Palmer reminds us of the role drones play in agricultural security and offers a free security risk assessment template for downloading (link at the end of the article).

Read more...
SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg
Arteco Global Africa Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Axis Communications SA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
SMART Security Solutions hosted its annual SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg in July, welcoming several guests, sponsors, and speakers for an informative and enjoyable day examining the evolution of the surveillance market.

Read more...
Your Wi-Fi router is about to start watching you
News & Events Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management
Advanced algorithms are able to analyse your Wi-Fi signals and create a representation of your movements, turning your home's Wi-Fi into a motion detection and personal identification system.

Read more...
Cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa
Sophos News & Events Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Sophos and Phishield Announce first-of-its-kind cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa. The SMARTpod podcast, discussing the deal and the state of ransomware in South Africa and globally, is now also available.

Read more...
Protect your smart home devices
Kaspersky IoT & Automation Information Security Smart Home Automation
Voice assistants, kitchen robots, smart lights and many other intelligent devices have become part of our everyday life. However, with the rise of smart technology comes the need for robust protection against potential vulnerabilities.

Read more...
The dangers of poor-quality solar cables
Security Services & Risk Management Smart Home Automation
Reports indicate that one in six fires attended by South African firefighters is linked to substandard solar installations, often due to faulty wiring or incompatible components.

Read more...
Chubbsafes celebrates 190 years
Gunnebo Safe Storage Africa News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Chubbsafes marks its 190th anniversary in 2025 and as a highlight of the anniversary celebrations it is launching the Chubbsafes 1835, a limited edition 190th-anniversary collector’s safe.

Read more...
New law enforcement request portal
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
inDrive launches law enforcement request portal in South Africa to support safety investigations. New portal allows authorised South African law enforcement officials to securely request user data related to safety incidents.

Read more...
Continuous AML risk monitoring
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
AU10TIX, launched continuous risk monitoring as part of its advanced anti-money laundering (AML) solution, empowering businesses to detect behavioural anomalies and emerging threats as they arise.

Read more...
Wireless home surveillance
Regal Distributors SA Smart Home Automation
EZVIZ has launched its AOV software alongside the X5S large-capacity storage solution, providing a 360-degree security solution with real-time footage of incidents and recorded evidence when needed.

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.