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Security a top priority again in 2005

Security will remain a top priority in both the corporate and domestic markets in this country for the foreseeable future.

This is the view of Clive van Ryneveld, regional managing director of Chubb Electronic Security, Inland South.

Clive van Ryneveld, Chubb Electronic Security

Van Ryneveld discusses some of the security issues South Africans will face during the forthcoming year and ways in which they can enhance their security, whether it is at home or in the workplace.

According to Johannesburg's policy on boomed suburbs, palisade fencing as opposed to solid walls and lots of street activity are ways to reduce crime in residential areas. But even though a new 'security access restrictions' policy, launched late last year, which aimed to get tough on gated communities by beefing up application criteria and requiring regular renewal, the debate of suburban booms and road closures is far from resolved. While many municipalities have approved many of the road closures, there are still many areas that await clarification on their applications.

This is despite a survey, conducted in the latter half of last year in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, which found hijackings had fallen by an average of 88% and house robberies by an average of 77%. Rape, murder or crimes resulting in serious physical harm were down by 87% as a result of closed off suburbs, very encouraging statistics if you happen to live in a secure enclave.

Additional benefits of the presence of an armed 24 hour advanced armed response service have shown that properties within these areas tend to fetch higher prices when homeowners decide to put their homes onto the property market.

Due to criminals becoming more and more cunning in their approach to crime, the need for increasingly sophisticated security equipment is needed. Therefore, the use of CCTV systems for the corporate, domestic and even tertiary environments is fast becoming a reality.

In addition to the conventional security system such as electronic intruder alarms and surveillance systems, a CCTV system may be installed to allow for visual verification of events in and around premises. These events can then be monitored remotely by a control centre and action taken based on what the operator is viewing at the remote site.

All this can be recorded on-site using a digital video recorder as well as at the remote monitoring centre on computer hard drives. CCTV is a critical security tool, not only for security requirements but for day to day management. The presence of CCTV reduces crime and a proper, well designed system will reduce manpower costs.

Remember when choosing your security partner to choose one that is a reputable organisation. The organisation must be registered with SAIDSA (South African Intruder Detection System Association). There are so many fly-by-night organisations who masquerade as professional organisations offering the latest and greatest service and equipment - make sure you sign up with one who will always stay abreast of the latest technological advancements. And always read the small print on the contract. Never take anything for granted. Make sure you are receiving the services you are paying for.

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