Business Security Risk Assessment. It’s a quiet afternoon. A shopper strolls into a jewelry store, maybe looking for the perfect anniversary gift.

Business security Risk Assessment – Then BAM! Glass shatters, armed criminals storm in, and chaos erupts. This scenario isn’t fiction. It’s happening right now in South Africa. Shopping malls, once lively hubs of community and commerce, have become battlegrounds. Last year, more than 200 armed robberies targeted retail spaces. Each heist leaves behind more than just empty shelves. It scares people, wrecks livelihoods, and shatters any illusion of safety.

We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a facility in Bloemfontein, identifying vulnerabilities that traditional assessments typically miss. This independent approach provides actionable recommendations to improve the overall safety and security of the property.

If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would 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.

The hard truth is that criminals are not just breaking the law. We’re letting them.

When was the last time you truly evaluated your security? Not just cameras on walls or guards at doors—real, criminal-proof strategies. If you’re unsure, you’re playing with risk. And in today’s world, risk is a loaded gun.

What if you could see your business the way a criminal does?

Spot every weak point before it’s exploited? That’s the power of a proper Security Risk Assessment. It’s not a luxury. It’s survival.
Let’s talk about how to get serious before it’s too late.
Criminals Are Breaking the Law—and We’re Letting Them.
Imagine sending your wife or girlfriend shopping with your credit card, picturing the smile on her face as she browses for clothing or jewelry. For many, this used to be a happy, everyday scenario. But now, it’s not just the credit card you have to worry about—there’s a growing chance she might come home traumatized or, worse, not come back at all.
This isn’t an overblown story to scare you. It’s real, and it’s happening right here in South Africa.

Shopping malls, once bustling hubs of excitement and community, are now soft targets for criminals.

Robberies like those at Kenilworth Mall and the attack on a jewelry store in Claremont—on the very same day—show just how vulnerable these places have become. Armed with guns, hammers, and zero regard for human life, criminals are walking into malls, breaking the law, and walking out again with stolen goods.
The truth is, we as mall owners, shop owners, and property managers are allowing this to happen. By not taking security seriously, by not doing enough to close the gaps that criminals exploit, we’re making it easier for them to succeed.

Some might say, “Just shop online; it’s safer.” But is it?

You might think your home is your fortress. Alarms? Check. Cameras? Check. But when was the last time you truly tested your defenses? Did those cameras stop the criminals? Were the perpetrators caught? If your answer is no, then your sense of safety might just be an illusion.
Crime doesn’t just happen “out there.” Criminals don’t discriminate—they go where the opportunities are.
A robbery or attack isn’t just a moment in time. It’s a ripple that spreads far and wide, touching lives in ways you can’t always see. Victims might push the experience to the back of their minds, but a sound, a smell, or a simple memory can bring it all rushing back, as vividly as a song lyric you haven’t heard in years.
These events leave scars that don’t easily fade. It’s not just physical harm; it’s emotional, financial, and psychological damage that lingers.

So, what’s the answer? How do we fight back?

The truth is simple: you can’t eliminate crime without eliminating risk. And the only way to eliminate risk is by conducting an independent Security Risk Assessment.
This isn’t just about ticking boxes or having someone glance at your security setup. It’s about looking at your property, your business, and your routines the way a criminal would. It’s about finding every weakness and fixing it before someone can take advantage.

When was the last time you reviewed your Security Risk Assessment? Do you even have one?

As a security professional, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a thorough risk assessment can make. It’s not just about putting up cameras or hiring more guards; it’s about creating a system that works together to deter, detect, and respond to threats effectively.
Crime doesn’t have to be inevitable. With the right approach, we can take back control.
It starts with awareness, it grows with action, and it ends when we refuse to accept anything less than a safe environment for everyone.
Don’t wait for the next robbery to wake you up; start protecting your business and loved ones today.

Written by André Mundell Independent risk assessor and consultant Alwinco. Business Security Risk Assessment

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.

Our independent security consultants cover a wide footprint in South Africa, including Gauteng (Greenside, Vorna Valley, Sandown, and Arcadia), Fichardt Park, Bluff, and Hout Bay.

A heart transplant in 20 minutes?