THE last stretch of the year is a good time to reassess business security needs and ensure that the measures that are in place are sufficient, especially if your premises will be unoccupied during the coming festive season.
Wear and tear on security systems is a reality and regular maintenance and upgrades are a necessity, says Fidelity ADT’s KwaZulu-Natal district manager, Ivan Govender. Every few years, some hardware will need to be replaced.
“Waiting until the system becomes faulty is not ideal. Unfortunately we do encounter incidents at small businesses where a break-in has occurred and only then do business owners realise that their security system was not operating correctly. With regular maintenance and testing, this can be avoided,” said Govender.
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He suggests that business owners start with their perimeter security and work inwards.
“There are several options for perimeter security such as access control, gates, electric fencing, and beams. As a first line of defense, it is essential that perimeter security is in a good condition and checked regularly,” he said.
CCTV systems with remote monitoring are becoming more affordable for small businesses and Govender recommends that owners look into this option.
“Cameras are an excellent deterrent for criminals and, with remote monitoring small businesses don’t need to house a surveillance centre on the premises.”
Burglar bars, security gates and an alarm system linked to a reaction service are all also vital components of the solution.
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“Fires are a very real threat and should be taken seriously. Having a fire escape plan, extinguishers and smoke detectors at the property are also must-haves. It’s always best to get a professional in to assess your security solution if you are unsure whether it’s adequate. These experts will be able to identify any vulnerable areas and offer the best solutions,” said Govender.
Running a business in a straining economy is no easy task and business owners are understandably looking for ways to cut costs and save. Security, however, should not be an area that gets neglected, says Govender.
He also recommends getting in touch with local community security organisations such as neighborhood watches and the likes.
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