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Customised security solutions showing success

Collaboration between communities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private sector is essential in the fight against crime.

As the leading private security company in South Africa, ADT Security has initiated a number of new programmes during the course of 2007, which will be carried through to 2008, to help reduce crime in its operational footprint.

The most recent initiative was the launch of its new Community Security Services division in the Johannesburg area. Introduced in the Western Cape earlier in 2007 with great success, it is anticipated that the division will make a significant impact by customising security solutions based on individual suburb requirements.

"The Community Security Services division focuses on increased interaction with community organisations to better understand their needs and to ensure that our service offering is constantly evolving to meet their changing demands," explains Mike Kidson, who is head of Johannesburg region's Community Security Services division.

"Security is not a 'one size fits all' solution, and this division is focused on creating complete security solutions based on the very specific needs of each community," says Kidson. "We will work closely with our armed reaction, guarding and technical operations to help create individual security solutions.

"In effect, this will be a direct partnership with the communities, and an important part of our role will be to establish solid relationships with local leaders and other key figures."

Once these relationships are established, strategies will be employed to maintain and increase the visibility of ADT in the area, which can act as a powerful deterrent to would-be thieves. Tools such as newsletters, crime alerts, updates, a branded vehicle, as well as bicycle and foot patrols will be utilised.

"This initiative will help to deliver increased efficiencies in terms of our service offering, and will help to reduce crime even further," explains Kidson.

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