Independent security risk assessment – Yes, I am talking about public violence. Those, sometimes random, sometimes planned, events that can be either peaceful or cause absolute havoc. Whether we want to know it or not, strikes and protests affect each and every South African. If your business is the direct target, or if the march passes your business property, the fact remains that we are all affected at the end of the day.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a shopping center in Nelspruit, revealing risks that standard assessments often overlook. This approach allowed us to recommend practical measures to enhance overall safety and security for shoppers and staff.
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.
Proudly South African
South Africa is known for its diversity, culture, braai, chakalaka, koeksisters, and melktert, but sadly, we are also known for our proclivity to strikes and protests. As proud South Africans, we are always prepared for a braai. Rain or shine, we braai. When our friends rock up, the fires are lighted, the meat is marinated, the beer is ice cold, and the salads are prepped, and in the blink of an eye, everyone is having a good time.
If only everyone had the same standard of preparedness when it comes to acts of public violence and crime.
Do you know how to safeguard your property, your personnel, and your assets? Do you know who to call for assistance? Does your property line have adequate stopping power in case strike participants attempt to cross your perimeter? And most importantly, do you have measures in place to collect evidence of the event that could be used for evidential purposes later on?
Are you prepared?
We are all familiar with the chaos and destruction that accompanies strikes and protests. The question is, are you prepared for such events? Seemingly peaceful protests can turn into utter chaos and devastation in a matter of minutes. I ask again, are you prepared? Criminals often hide among strike participants to loot, steal, attack, or even kill, knowing they won’t be identified or held accountable.
Some of your own, possibly disgruntled, employees might see the strike as an opportunity to commit a crime.
We discovered such a case where a company was dealing with public violence that occurred outside the property and was only passing by. The next instant, chaos erupted within the company premises. The question now is, did someone sneak in, or was it someone from the inside? After the event, the question still remains unanswered. The company could not determine whether any strike participants actually crossed the property line when auditing the video footage.. Which leaves the question, who started the chaos inside the business in the first place?
Preparation is the only defense.
Did you answer yes to all the questions in this article?
If not, I suggest that you urgently have a good look at your Independent Security Risk Assessment, which should include information and guidelines pertaining to the preparation and management of any acts of public violence.
Don’t wait for something to happen before you act. It is too late when it has already happened. Contact an independent risk consultant today.
By Andre Mundell, independent risk consultant, Alwinco.
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Our specialty is doing security risk assessments for homes, buildings, businesses, estates, farms, and residences in various locations throughout Gauteng (Pretoria, Jhb CBD, Noordwyk, Rivonia, and Ashton Manor), Universitas, Balito, and Woodstock.
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