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Silly season a critical time to ramp up security

24 Dec 2019

While criminal elements are lurking among the throngs of people visiting shopping malls over the festive season, shoppers are not the only victims of crime as business robberies also usually spike during this period. Every other year the festive season experiences a rise in theft, burglary, armed robberies and road accidents that result in many fatalities.

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According to Nhlanhla Khuzwayo, MD, security services at integrated facilities management company Servest, “This is the most critical time to ramp up security as criminals are on the lookout for easy targets.”

Khuzwayo says, “Of importance, in planning security systems for any site is to ensure that the perimeter and access control areas are well secure. Also, there needs to be a mix of proactive and reactive systems in place with strong CCTV. Preventative strategies should be in place to stop crime before it happens.”

Residential security just as critical

Khuzwayo notes that residential security is as critical as business security; it’s equally important to ensure that the periphery areas are well-lit and have good visibility as a rule of thumb to deter intruders.

“A lot of business and homeowners are all set to travel for the holidays, but what many haven’t thought about yet are putting additional security measures to enhance security while they are away,” says Khuzwayo.

He recommends that before closing for the year, checking all security systems will be critical, for businesses, operations departments and providers should ensure that all security systems are in good working order, notify security service providers on business shut down periods.