For the full articles, please click the following link. Alwinco Newsletter 0125 Independent security risk assessment independent security risk assessor
- Independent security risk assessor.
At Alwinco, we provide independent security risk assessments that identify and address the specific security risks of each property. Recently, we conducted an assessment of a residential estate in Ficksburg and uncovered several security risks that were not immediately apparent. 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.
Wisdom Comes After Disaster in South Africa
As South Africans return from their December holidays, a familiar and disheartening pattern emerges: crime that takes advantage of relaxed security. This past season was no different. Families and businesses came back to scenes of break-ins, theft, and destruction, each a stark reminder of the saying, “Wisdom comes after disaster.”
From homes to businesses, the aftermath paints a grim picture.
One property bore evidence of three separate break-ins on different days, marked by footprints and escalating damage. Alarms failed, and the unchecked breaches allowed thieves to strip the place bare. Another case saw thieves not just stealing valuables but tearing out copper pipes and leaving behind water-damaged chaos.
Businesses also faced significant losses.
Laptops, databases, and equipment vanished without any signs of forced entry, raising suspicions of insider involvement. Warehouses fell victim to slow, unnoticed thefts, eroding stock and trust. Meanwhile, some families faced even graver consequences, with lives irrevocably altered by violent incidents during the holidays.
Despite the ever-present threat of crime, many still neglect adequate security, particularly during the festive season. This complacency allows criminals to exploit vulnerabilities, turning preventable scenarios into devastating realities. The lesson is clear: security cannot be an afterthought. Whether for homes or businesses, proactive risk assessment and the implementation of robust measures are critical. As we step into 2025, let this be a year of action, where small, intentional steps today prevent disasters tomorrow.
Important Factors Missing Each Time a Crime is Committed
Crime often succeeds because of overlooked details and a lack of preparedness. Each incident reveals common vulnerabilities, from outdated security practices to unaddressed blind spots. For example, financial crimes like card theft occur frequently during the holidays. Victims rarely change their PINs, leaving them exposed to fraud. Small, unnoticed transactions accumulate until accounts are drained, leaving families scrambling to block cards and wondering how thieves accessed their information. Regularly updating PINs and staying vigilant during transactions could easily prevent such crimes.
Another critical oversight is neglecting risk assessment reports.
Many people either fail to revisit these documents or assume that previous measures are sufficient. Risk assessments need to be actively reviewed and updated, particularly when old risks evolve or new ones emerge. A “30/70 risk assessment” approach—focusing 30% on past risks and 70% on new challenges like communication, management, and processes—is essential for staying ahead of threats.
Documentation is another weak point.
Security plans are often informal, leaving families and employees guessing about procedures in emergencies. Clear, written plans addressing scenarios like broken doors, vacation protocols, or the storage of valuables can prevent confusion and mitigate losses. Ultimately, the missing factors boil down to complacency and inadequate planning. In 2025, South Africans must prioritize security by maintaining up-to-date risk assessments, implementing proactive measures, and fostering a culture of awareness to protect homes, businesses, and lives.
Offerings of a Security Risk Assessment
Security risk assessments should focus on identifying vulnerabilities and providing tailored solutions, not selling products. Unfortunately, many businesses offer “assessments” that are thinly veiled product pitches. These so-called evaluations often leave clients unaware of critical risks and with cookie-cutter solutions that fail to address their unique needs.
At Alwinco, the approach is different.
Their Independent Risk Assessments prioritize honesty, research, and client-focused strategies. By avoiding commissions or supplier deals, they ensure that recommendations are unbiased and based solely on what works. This independence allows for genuine assessments that consider the client’s environment, goals, and concerns, rather than pushing preselected solutions or assuming affordability.
A true security assessment digs deep.
Assessing vulnerabilities from a criminal’s perspective. It focuses on real-world application rather than relying on flashy tech specs. Alwinco stays ahead of evolving security threats through continuous research, training, and collaboration with experts. The result is a comprehensive plan where every recommendation aligns with the client’s overall security goals. Ultimately, a proper risk assessment is about empowering clients to take control of their security. By providing actionable, tailored advice rather than pushing products, Alwinco ensures peace of mind and protection that goes beyond surface-level solutions. If you’re ready for a truly independent and effective security plan, their approach stands apart.
What Are Road Spikes?
Road spiking is a growing danger on South Africa’s highways, with criminals placing sharp objects or debris on roads to puncture tires and force vehicles to stop. These incidents, particularly prevalent on key routes like the N1 and N4, make stranded motorists easy targets for robbery or hijacking. The situation demands heightened awareness and preparation, as criminals continue to evolve their methods.
Hotspot Areas and Times
Spiking incidents are most common at night, with hotspots including:
- N4 (Pretoria to Witbank): Donkerhoek Plaza, Solomon Mahlangu Interchange (7 PM–4 AM).
- N4 (Brits): Garankua Bridge, Old Warmbaths Road (overnight).
- N1: Pumulani at Walmansthal ramps (overnight).
How to Stay Safe. Advice from an Independent security risk assessor.
1. Keep Driving: If spiked, continue driving to a safe, well-lit area or police station, even if it damages your vehicle.
2. Avoid Night Driving in Hotspots: Criminals exploit darkness to set traps.
3. Be Alert for Suspicious Activity: Watch for hazards on the road or vehicles following you.
4. Check Locks Manually: Avoid relying solely on remote locking systems.
5. Stay Vigilant Against Other Tactics: Methods like “tap-tap” hijackings and car-jamming devices are also common.
Broader Context
Spiking is part of an alarming increase in road crimes, including car theft and staged accidents. High-profile cases, like that of Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, emphasize that no one is immune. While authorities are stepping up patrols and joint operations, your personal awareness remains the strongest defense.
Key Takeaway
Road spiking is a severe threat, but with proactive measures and vigilance, you can protect yourself and others. Prioritize safety, avoid risky areas at night, and report incidents promptly.
Articles written by Andre Mundell. Independent security risk assessor at Alwinco.
If you would like to learn more about our services or need additional information on security risk assessments, please send us an email or visit our website, Security Meetings, and subscribe to our newsletter. Major metropolitan areas, such as Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town, and Gauteng (including Annlin, Braamfontein, Midrand, Sandton, and Centurion), are encompassed within the scope of our security risk assessment services.