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VESA keeping the vehicle security industry on the straight and narrow

The Vehicle Security Association of South Africa came into existence in 1987, from its inception the company was a nonprofit organisation with an aim of setting and maintaining standards within the vehicle security industry. "Our primary objective is to ensure that users can confidently invest in products that have been subjected to strict evaluation procedures," says Philip Maskrey, VESA's Divisional Manager.

The name of the game, according to VESA, is ensuring that the end-user has peace of mind with products that he may not have fully investigated himself. Through promoting industry standards, they have been able to sustain loss production, promote fair and just practises and generate awareness of their organisation and its members within the industry.

VESA is funded through membership fees from institutional centres and certificate sales to the public. Another role that is fulfilled by VESA is that it creates and acts as a forum for cooperation between security installation centres, gearlock and electronic manufacturers, vehicle tracking operators and short-term insurance companies.

As the security industry has grown in South Africa so has VESA had to extend its field of expertise. Electronic immobilisers were the first electronic devices to receive VESA's approval. This was followed by the advent of mechanical anti-theft devices.

"VESA is concerned with three issues," says Maskrey. "The first is products. It is up to us who lay out the criteria for certain products, we test them and make sure that they are accredited. A second job that VESA fulfils is approving members. Members are continually monitored through spot checks. Installation centres also have to meet a certain criteria.

"We initially examine their financial history and make sure, for example, that their premises are up to standard."

According to VESA's guidelines, by installing an approved vehicle security system at a VESA approved installation centre, the customer is assured that the system is effective and reliable. That the system is correctly, securely and professionally installed. Also that the system meets VESA's quality standards and comes with the necessary technical support and back-up. "If there are any problems then we can come in and bat for you," says Maskrey.

For details contact VESA, (011) 315 3588.

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