Crime continues to be a big challenge facing South African businesses and business owners should consider stepping up their security measures for safer trading.
“Crime has a debilitating impact on local businesses. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Report 2013/2014 ranks South Africa 141st out of 148 countries in terms of the costs of crime and violence, indicating that crime is costing businesses significantly,” Executive Head of Auto & General Business Insurance LeRoy Munetsi said.
“In the report, crime and theft are ranked the seventh most problematic factor for doing business in South Africa. From fraud to theft, businesses are having an increasingly tough time trying to protect the assets and personnel that enable them to keep operating.”
Munetsi revealed that Auto & General’s claims data indicates that vehicle theft and hijacking, theft of computing equipment, and portable devices are the main crimes impacting local businesses.
Unfortunately, companies that are identified as soft targets by syndicates often fall prey to repeated attacks because the criminals realise that equipment is generally replaced within a few days in order to keep businesses running.
“When you consider a small business losing all of its computers, resulting in staff not being able to do their work, you can understand why the costs of crime can be significant enough to cripple a business.”
Criminals prefer to operate at night when chances of being confronted are reduced, but the prevalence of daytime theft and robbery at business premises is escalating due to less stringent security measures.
Sometimes criminals pose as customers and successfully snatch phones and valuables lying around on counter tops or tables while they are being served by unsuspecting personnel.
Companies need to equip themselves to fight crime by implementing a combination of security measures such as, good quality perimeter fencing, lighting, external passives, infrareds and beams, CCTV systems, intruder detection systems, solid locks, glass protection (against smash and grabs), good building access control and well-trained security guards.
Employees should also be made aware of the risks, and be trained to follow security procedures and take safety precautions.
