An Independent Driveway Security Risk Assessment will eliminate the opportunity for a Hijacking.
It might not make the 7 o’clock news anymore, but a very high percentage of attacks occur in the driveway of homes. For this reason, a Driveway Security Risk Assessment has become a necessity.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment of a residential driveway in Johannesburg, uncovering vulnerabilities that conventional assessments often miss. This approach enabled us to recommend practical measures to enhance the safety and security of the property.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you’d like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
Driveway assessment
Criminals know these facts and use the moment of vulnerability to their advantage. They only need a few short seconds to catch you off guard. Residents, homeowners, visitors, businesses, and the like are all potential targets.
In some incidents, the driveway hijacking can turn into a burglary. Criminals can use the driver and passengers as a ‘human key’ to gain access to the property.
Crime remains an unpleasant topic and is therefore avoided, especially within the family unit and when there are children involved. This consequently results in security not being discussed or fully addressed. Furthermore, we are all guilty of the mindset that “This won’t happen to me or my family.” The need and value of security are often realized too late.
Driveway Security Risk Assessment will reveal and explain all weaknesses and vulnerabilities present that could create the opportunity for a criminal attack. By focusing on the risk and taking the necessary steps to eliminate opportunities, you can prevent crime.
Photo Credit: www.wheels24.co.za
The independent Security Consultant can assist you in understanding threats through a driveway security risk assessment.
Security is more than just hardware
Many assume that security only consists of the hardware installed, such as the alarm or the CCTV system, the family guard dog, or even the Security Officer posted at the entrance of a gated community. Although this is a featured factor in successful security, it will fail if the intangible elements are not in place.
Security awareness and willpower comprise a necessary mindset required to ensure that your security functions at an optimal level. Remember that you cannot stop all crime. In this event, safety needs to kick in when security is no longer effective.
The Driveway Security Risk Assessment will make you more aware. Knowledge is power, and you can use it to prevent hijackings in the future.
Awareness Tips
The main problem in driveways is that drivers often get distracted by their phones or while searching for keys and similar items. Your focus should be on the driveway, and only once you have safely entered the gate and closed it behind you can you attend to your phone and so on.
If you’re on a call while approaching your home, switch to speaker and ask the caller to wait until you’re safely inside. If someone attacks you, they can call for help.
Another solution is to have your keys in a designated compartment or area. This is to ensure that you do not have to dig in your handbag or under the seats for the keys. Keep your keys close by when approaching your gate.
Concentrate and pay attention to what is happening in front of you and around you. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior, and if you do not have dogs, look at your motion lights, as this will give you an indication if there is anyone on the property.
By Andre Mundell, independent risk consultant at Alwinco.
Should you wish to learn more about our services offered or want more information on security risk assessments, please send us an email or kindly visit our website security meetings and subscribe to our Newsletter.
We specialize in security risk assessments for properties, buildings, companies, estates, farms, and homes across multiple locations: Gauteng (including Hatfield, Kempton Park, Vorna Valley, Hyde Park, and Moreleta Park), Langenhoven Park, Westville, and Green Point.
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