ADT FOCUSES ON SECURITY COMPLEX ISSUES

Property advertisements for security complexes often cite security as one of the advantages of such an investment. With high walls, electrified fencing and access gates, residents staying inside are supposedly better protected from crime than those staying in stand-alone houses. Compiled by Annalise Kempen Photo courtesy of ADT However, according to the marketing mana-ger of personal product solutions of the insurance broker Glenrand MIB, “security villages can create complacency about crime. Recent media reports indicate crime in residential estates and complexes is on the rise, particularly in Gauteng, totally contradicting the whole point of security complexes. Syndicates moving into complexes as tenants and poor access control are said to be behind much of the problem”. Robyn Farrell, a director of 1st for Women Insurance Broker, shares this sentiment. “People are less cautious when they approach or leave a security estate and very often drive away without waiting for the gate to shut firmly behind them, giving criminals a hard-to-resist window of opportunity to slip in without being noticed. Gates to security complexes are also often left open for long periods of time, allowing a free flow of uninvited cars and people. In some estates, there is no control over who is given the access code for the gate, which means too many people are able to get in and out without restriction. Once inside, it’s easy pickings for criminals, with a selection of cars parked in close proximity, and doors and     windows to houses often devoid of burglar bars and security gates, left unlocked or even wide open.” Criminals take advantage Criminals are opportunistic and have started to take advantage of these residents’ complacency, resulting in many security complexes no longer offering peace of mind to residents.  With this in mind, a private security company,  ADT South Africa, hosted a breakfast meeting on 22 May 2009 in Sandton to discuss issues relating to security complexes. Dr Rudolph Zinn from the Department of Forensic Investigation at Unisa, presented his findings of an investigation into trends in house robberies and hijackings in South Africa. He interviewed 60 convicted criminals who are incarcerated in Gauteng’s six largest correctional facilities - half of whom were convicted for house robberies and the other half for motor vehicle hijacking. According to his findings, 57% of house robberies occur between 19:00 and midnight.  The respondents said that up to 77% of the time they chose a target based on inside information and in a neighbourhood where there is a low security presence. Dr Zinn also focused on crime statistics relating to security complexes and reported that although security complexes have traditionally been perceived as more difficult targets, this perception is changing and there has been a gradual resettling of crime in complexes. “Often in the case with complexes, the homeowners rely too much on perimeter security and don’t invest in individual security, which makes their homes an easy target.” Results of the study show that security companies that are making a difference in their local community to help prevent crime are those that grow and evolve their crime prevention strategies to align with the evolving modus operandi of criminals.  “According to research, community involve-ment dwindles over time, and crime prevention strategies that are proactive and not just incident-driven, seem to be the ones that survive and grow,”   Dr Zinn said. Security companies need to be involved from the design stage In his presentation, Roy Rawlins, ADT Johannesburg’s Managing Director said that ADT has put in place several solutions to combat growing crime in security complexes.  The research revealed that security needs to be a major factor when designing complexes and estates and ADT has started working closely with the developers of new complexes, assisting in developing the security solutions already during the design stage.  ADT has also met the demands of open, lifestyle-type estates by providing discreet branding and bicycle patrols as less-intrusive security measures. “Securing the perimeter of complexes is the first step, but the next    priority is to ensure the safety of residents and individual properties inside the walls,” he said. ADT has been building successful partnerships with neighbourhoods, body corporates in complexes and Community Policing Forums to help protect local residents and businesses. “Security at complexes is now becoming far more specialised, and it is essential that the complex’s security provider can provide a comprehensive security service that includes technical support and proactive planning.  You can have a range of solutions from guarding and phone-in solutions, to panic alarms, to full alarm monitoring all with immediate armed response.  A meet-and-greet and 24-hour paramedic response can also provide peace of mind to residents requiring a guarded escort home or medical assistance. However it’s important to ensure that the systems are appropriate for the residents’ requirements and that the security provider knows and understands them.” Similar to residents of stand-alone homes, those staying in security complexes need to take responsibility for their safety by ensuring that they adhere to the basics of security. One should never be complacent when it comes to crime in South Africa as we still have a long road to travel before our constitutional right to safety is respected by all. Sources: “ADT focuses on secure complex security issues.” - Media statement issued by ADT on 1 June 2009. “Enclosed estates and security complexes are not immune to crime.” - article dated January 2008, published on www.firstforwomen.co.za - accessed on 6 June 2009.  “What about crime in complexes?” - article dated 5 May 2009, published on www.property24.com - accessed on 6 June 2009. Caption: Fltr: Richard McGhee (Sales and Marketing Director: ADT Head Office); Dr Rudolph Zinn (Unisa) and Roy Rawlins (Managing Director: ADT Johannesburg)

 

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