Blowing smoke at criminals

November 2010 Security Services & Risk Management, Retail (Industry)

State-of-the-art technology can reduce risk in the retail environment.

We are all familiar with the saying that to do the same thing over and over and to expect different results is a sign of insanity. If this is indeed so then the adopters of traditional security methods and technology in the retail environment are in danger of being classified as such.

It is a fact that huge sums of money are spent annually on doing more of the same typical thing over and over with little or no improvement in reducing risks and losses. Most of the systems deployed are reactive and tend to document crime rather than prevent it. Criminals who are intent on burglary or robbery show no concern for these sophisticated systems. In fact they expect to encounter the conventional array of alarm, CCTV and access control systems backed up by guarding and response teams. They defeat these by wearing balaclavas, operating within response time windows and intimidation. The bad news is that they achieve their objectives with seeming impunity. It really is time to break the mould of the same old same old and to embrace new and different technologies.

The idea of fog security as pioneered by SmokeCloak in the UK originally has become a success story of note worldwide. Operating on the basis of rapidly filling an area under attack by a dense white harmless vapour (not unlike theatrical smoke) and, in so doing, shrouding the sought-after goods (and the custodians thereof should they be present) makes it impossible for the criminals to operate, thereby neutralising them and securing the scene.

Those who have become sufficiently fed up with the status quo, embracing this new technology which, granted, needs a paradigm shift in thinking, have been pleasantly surprised with the positive results and the dramatic reduction in losses this brought about.

This new approach is certainly not rocket science stuff and makes use of elementary tactics of concealing the target which has proven to be very successful in battles against a relentless enemy. It does appear though that there is a reticence by many security practitioners to embrace this new technology, often citing unsubstantiated fears and concerns of what might go wrong. However, with a growing number of success stories from all over the world including South Africa, those who continue to ignore this new active deterrent against crime do so at their peril as they will certainly be left behind when it comes to clients seeking holistic solutions that really work.

When one further considers that this technology can be acquired on a rent to buy basis and that the systems start from as little as R440 per month over a 60 month period, it is a 'no brainer' as one of the leading retailers has remarked after their losses per incident were reduced substantially.

For more information contact TCT, +27 (0)11 888 1210, [email protected], www.tct.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Background checks: risk levels and compliance
iFacts Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
Conducting background checks is a vital step in the hiring process for employers or when engaging service providers; however, it is crucial to understand the legal framework and regulations governing these checks.

Read more...
Federated identity orchestration
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management AI & Data Analytics
Understanding exactly who resides at the end of a digital device is key, and simple identity number verification by the Department of Home Affairs is no longer a viable solution on its own.

Read more...
Balancing security and ease-of-use
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
Fraud incidents have financial repercussions and erode consumer trust, leading businesses to become more aware, though this awareness does not necessarily translate into confidence in their identity authentication processes.

Read more...
Identity and authentication
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Identity authentication is a crucial aspect of both physical security and cybersecurity. SMART Security Solutions obtained insights into the topic and the latest developments from three companies.

Read more...
Boost revenue streams for MNOS
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
ReveNet has introduced its new solution, designed to safeguard and potentially boost revenue streams in an increasingly challenging landscape for MNOS. The new platform combines advanced analytics and is built on trust, transparency, and sustainability principles.

Read more...
Risk-IO manages mining security risks
Zulu Consulting Security Services & Risk Management Mining (Industry)
[Sponsored] A local mining company with three large operations experienced increased security costs. The liability included no standardised risk assessment, poor management of the efforts to mitigate hazards, and unauthorised access with subsequent theft. The reactive approach to security was not only expensive but also wasteful in the sense that the costs were poorly managed, and there were no metrics to show improvement or trends in incidents.

Read more...
Vivotek partners to enhance retail management
Surveillance Retail (Industry) Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Recognising the growing demand from retail enterprises to boost operational efficiency through cloud security solutions, Vivotek has announced a partnership between its AI-powered cloud surveillance platform, Vortex, and Kabob.

Read more...
NIS2 compliance amplifies skills shortages and resource strain
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
A new Censuswide survey, commissioned by Veeam Software reveals the significant impact on businesses as they adapt to this key cybersecurity directive, with 95% of EMEA businesses siphoning other budgets to try and meet compliance deadline.

Read more...
SA company develops world-first safe K9 training for drug detection
Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy recently announced the results of its scientific research into training dogs to accurately detect drugs and explosives without harming either the dogs or their handlers.

Read more...
Understanding South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
The Cybercrimes Act No.19 of 2020 is a comprehensive legislative response to the evolving landscape of cyberthreats in South Africa. Its effectiveness, however, relies on enforcement, which relies on implementation, international cooperation, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Read more...