FOUND! ‘A game-changer’ in the fight against crime
DID YOU KNOW: Burglary and housebreaking were the most dominant crime categories as measured by the most recent Victims of Crime Survey (compiled by Stats SA).
“Modern technology has become an integral part of the fight against crime and there have been many examples where it has proven to be a game-changer,” said private security company Fidelity ADT.
Commenting on recent reports into crime levels in South Africa, Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT said, “We heard last week that 4,25 per cent of all South African households had been affected by incidents of housebreaking. Burglary and housebreaking were the most dominant crime categories measured by the most recent Victims of Crime Survey (compiled by Stats SA).”
Security companies, said Hattingh, have a responsibility to invest in the best and most effective security systems and tools because they have a direct correlation with the effectiveness of the security service ultimately provided to their customers.
“One such tool which has shown success is a network of licence plate recognition cameras, which we have helped set up in several communities around the country. The cameras are linked to a central database and are monitored 24/ 7 by trained operators. The strategically placed CCTV cameras monitor the movement of vehicles and alert operators immediately when any suspicious vehicles are spotted, so that the most appropriate security or law enforcement response can be deployed.”
Hattingh explained as an example that a vehicle detected and implicated in an armed robbery in Pretoria was later found in Bloemfontein where the suspects were arrested by the local police and linked to the crime.
“This incident shows that you cannot evade Big Brother, not even by fleeing to another province.”
She said home security is another area where technology has introduced new and more cost-effective options.
“In the past, it might have been too costly for someone to consider installing a CCTV camera system at home. This is no longer the case, and more and more people now have access to basic video feeds as part of their home security,” she said.
Modern South African consumers are shifting towards wanting more control of their homes and home security. To this end, it is now also possible to control all aspects of a home system from the comfort of your mobile phone.
“Earlier this year, we introduced two new products which put the power in your hands – literally. These products allow home owners to activate and deactivate alarm zones and monitor every aspect of the system. It is also possible to view a live video feed of your outside perimeter,” explained Hattingh.
At the end of the day, she cautioned against viewing modern technology as the silver bullet which will solve crime on its own.
“It allows us to deploy our resources far more effectively but the human element of crime fighting and crime prevention is still very important and should not be forgotten. We have to practise good personal safety habits and remain vigilant. If you are aware of suspicious activity in your community, you must speak up.
“Safety is a team effort. Make sure you do your research on the most effective security system you can afford, remember your personal safety habits, and show support for local community groups and law enforcement projects. If we work together, we can be safer,” said Hattingh.
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