A huge consideration for most South Africans when leaving home to attend an event is the venue’s security.
If it is at a function venue or restaurant, do they have 24/7 security monitoring and surveillance cameras in the parking area?
If your celebration is at a friend’s home, do they have proper home security solutions and the backup of community safety services in place?
Nobody likes to be paranoid, but in South Africa, paranoia is not a bad thing, says Charnel Hattingh, the Fidelity Services Group head of marketing and communications.
“A prime example of the fact that criminals are extremely brazen is the recent murder of a man by robbers who wanted his Rolex watch in the parking area of a busy restaurant in Boksburg – in broad daylight. Whether opportunistic or planned, our only defence is to be vigilant,” she says.
“With spring in the air, many of us will be socialising at outdoor venues or entertaining outdoors at home.
At home, you can take full control of the safety of your guests through things like access control systems and outdoor beams. Remember, too, you can back up your home security solutions with casual guarding.”
A security officer can protect your guests or keep an eye on things when you want added protection at your home or office.
Hattingh explains Fidelity security officers deployed to private venues and residences are linked to armed response units in the area through their control room and a panic button.
“Casual guarding gives you added peace of mind that you have an expert eye watching over the safety of your guests. There will be no need for anyone to worry about their safety or their vehicle. Your guests can kick back, relax and enjoy.”
Homes and businesses with 24-hour security monitoring and CCTV security cameras must ensure these always work correctly.
Hattingh stresses criminals rely on the fact that many people are lax with their security systems.
“Ensure your security systems are working correctly; use them to their full potential. For example, if you are entertaining outside at home, activate the outdoor beams, electric fencing and areas of the home nobody will use.
“You should do this even if you have hired a casual guard for added protection. Importantly, your security systems must be linked to an armed response. The security company will immediately act upon a breach of any areas entrusted to your security system because the control room receives the signal. You can rest assured help is on the way.”
Hattingh says a mistake people make when entertaining at home is leaving the gate open until all the guests have arrived.
“Never do this. It might be more convenient than constantly opening and closing the gate, but it is an open invitation for criminals. Once inside the gate, these unwanted guests will quickly be through your front door. Things can go very wrong from here.”
Remember these tips when throwing a party outdoors:
• As far as possible, guests should park inside the property. If they must park outside, casual guarding is the route to go.
• Don’t ‘advertise’ your party by putting balloons on the gate or a big arrow pointing down the road to ‘Michelle’s 60th’. With parties come people, gifts, cellphones, wallets and vehicles. Ensure your party is not one to remember for the wrong reasons because you inadvertently directed robbers straight to your front door.
• Don’t let your guard down because you are at home. Keep a remote panic button close at hand – preferably around your neck or inside your pocket. You can activate a silent panic in the event of an emergency, and it could save lives.
• Have good lighting outside for evening entertaining, especially sensor lights.
• Ask your security provider to do extra patrols when you have your bash. The armed response vehicle’s presence is a deterrent, and the reaction officer’s keen eye will pick up anyone or anything suspicious near your home.
“Security often comes up around the dinner table or braai. It can be a morbid discussion, but spin it to a positive by telling your guests about the benefits you get out of your home security system and why you use casual guarding.
“Ensure them, too, that they and their vehicles are safe at your party because you have proper security solutions to keep uninvited guests out,” Hattingh concludes.
