Assessment Planning & Scheduling
Introduction Effective planning is the foundation of every successful security risk assessment. Long before any site work begins, a structured process takes place to ensure
News / Blog
The Alwinco Methodology
Introduction The Alwinco Methodology is built on a clear and structured approach to independent physical security risk assessments that focuses on identifying real vulnerabilities before
Making Sense of Security: Why It Matters for Everyone
Introduction Security is interconnected, and effective protection begins with understanding how every risk influences the next. A professional security risk assessment does more than identify
What to Expect from an Independent Security Risk Assessment
Introduction Independent security risk assessment is more than a technical exercise. It is a disciplined process that brings clarity, objectivity, and practical insight to your
The Different Client Types When It Comes to Security Risk Assessment Proposals
Security is willpower in action, the disciplined commitment to see risk clearly and respond with purpose. A strong security risk assessment is where that willpower
A strong boardroom presentation does not mean your security is solid.
Intro Independent Security risk assessment communication with the board of directors is where real security begins to take shape. It is the point where technical
Crime Did not take a Holiday
Link to Alwinco’s full Newsletter – Crime Didn’t Take a Holiday: January Has Proven This Again Every January brings a familiar and uncomfortable reality into
Security Breaches, It’s Not Just About Luck
Introduction A security risk assessment is the foundation of effective protection because security begins with understanding risk before responding to it. In a world where
Decision-Makers the Reality of Security
Introduction For those entrusted with protecting people, assets, and long-term interests, understanding the difference between an independent assessment vs product assessment is fundamental to making
Assassinations on the Rise
Introduction In a changing threat environment, an assassination or personal risk assessment has become an essential part of understanding and managing high-level personal exposure. It
Building a Strong Security Plan Beyond Guesswork
Introduction A strong security plan begins with understanding risk, not with assumptions. In any business or high-risk environment, effective protection depends on a structured approach
Alwinco Newsletter # 11 A Festive Season Wake-Up Call
The following are three summaries from our eleventh newsletter. Below, we will provide a link to read the full articles. Alwinco Newsletter 1225 Story One:
Security has changed
Intro In a changing threat landscape, a proper Security Risk assessment has become more valuable than ever. Despite more than R60 Billion being spent on
The Truth About Security: Why Clarity Saves Lives
Intro “Trust equals truth” is more than a motto. It reflects the foundation of every Security risk assessment and the value an independent Security risk
Health & Safety and Security Risk Assessment Newsletter #10
Intro A Corporate risk assessment is far more than a compliance exercise. It is a critical part of understanding how security, health, and operational risks
Independent security risk assessment and Red-tape
Introduction A professional security risk assessment does more than identify vulnerabilities. It reveals how red tape, flawed procurement processes, and a lack of true independence
The Rising Threat of Assassination
Intro An assassination security risk assessment provides a critical layer of protection in environments where decision-making, influence, and exposure can place individuals at real and
When Schools Can’t Be Reached
Introduction School security starts with clear, reliable communication, yet this basic requirement is often overlooked. As an Independent Security Risk Assessor , we have seen
The Truth About Crime We Can’t Ignore Anymore
Introduction The truth about security in South Africa is increasingly clear. Crime is no longer isolated or unpredictable; it is organized, persistent, and steadily expanding
Rising Crime in South Africa
Take the First Step Before Crime Strikes Crime in South Africa continues to grow more aggressive, more frequent, and more organized. Every day brings new
The MOST damaging factor is interference
Every conference I speak at, the same question comes up: “Why is there so much crime in South Africa?” It was the very question I
The Hidden Key to Real Security
This article explains why real security begins with understanding risk, not with visible measures like cameras, alarms, or guards. It draws on practical experience from
ALWINCO Founder Wins Prestigious 2025 OSPA Award
ALWINCO Founder Wins Prestigious 2025 OSPA Award. This is not just an award; it is one of the highest recognitions in the international security industry,
Assassination Assessments Or Personal Assessments
Introduction This article examines the growing reality of targeted violence through a focused lens on Assassination Assessment South Africa, explaining why individuals with influence, access
Alwinco Officially named as a finalist in 2025 OSPA’s
We are proud to announce: That André Mundell, founder of Alwinco and a pioneer in independent security risk assessment in South Africa, has been officially
What is your property saying when no one is listening?
This article explains how the bad body language of a property reveals far more than most owners realize, often exposing risks long before an incident
The who, what, and why of Alwinco.
This article highlights the critical role of an independent security risk assessment in understanding and managing the real risks facing properties across South Africa. Drawing
A Heart transplant in 20 min
This article explains why a proper Independent Security Risk Assessment cannot be rushed without compromising its effectiveness and value. Drawing on practical experience from a
The human key
Introduction Security risk assessment Alwinco—You’ve invested in the best security money can buy: bulletproof glass, state-of-the-art cameras, and high-tech alarms. But here’s the hard truth:
Alwinco Newsletter Issue # 7
Click here to read the full articles. Alwinco Newsletter 0325 # Independent security risk assessment AI Andre Mundell AI Security risk assessment AI At Alwinco,
The Biggest Security Myth That’s Costing You More Than You Think
Introduction Independent security risk assessment—security companies are everywhere. They install cameras, hire guards, set up alarm systems, and guarantee safety. But here’s the uncomfortable
Inner crime / Insider crime
At Alwinco, we conduct independent security risk assessments that expose threats often overlooked, including insider crime. Recently, we assessed an industrial facility in Middelburg, where
Alwinco Newsletter issue #6
Recently, Alwinco conducted an independent security risk assessment on a farm near Vryheid, where we identified key security risks. Our recommendations focused on practical, risk-specific
Can You Prove Your Evidence Wasn’t Tampered With?
Security risk assessment plays a critical role in creating clarity where uncertainty exists, especially when security risk assessor expertise is used to identify and document
Alwinco Newsletter edition 5
For the full articles, please click the following link. Alwinco Newsletter 0125 Independent security risk assessment independent security risk assessor Independent security risk assessor AI
Product Assessments vs. Independent Security Risk Assessments
At Alwinco, We specialize in independent security risk assessments that identify and address the unique challenges of each property. Our assessments reveal hidden security risks
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe this festive season
Introduction The holiday season should be a time of celebration, not fear. However this time of year brings a noticeable spike in hijackings, burglaries, scams,
Crime is too late
Crime in South Africa is often treated as a distant concern until it becomes a personal reality. This article highlights a simple but important truth:
Residents of Residential estates are their own worst enemy.
Effective access control is the foundation of a secure residential estate, but its success depends on consistent cooperation between residents and security. A professionally conducted,
School Security Newsletter Articles
Introduction This newsletter brings together key insights from our recent articles, highlighting the importance of independent security risk assessments in schools. Each piece focuses on
Which 20% of your employees are considered expendable?
Introduction If no crime is acceptable, then no security risk should be either. Yet, many companies and institutions continue to rely on outdated tools like
Farm Security
Without farmers, our very existence would be in jeopardy. Risk assessment ZA South Africa – Yet criminals have long targeted them. It is time we
The Critical Need for Effective School Security in South Africa
Introduction School security in South Africa requires a more focused and practical approach. Protecting learners and staff is not achieved through isolated measures but through
Three wrongs will not make one right.
Introduction Effective security begins with understanding, not assumption. Protecting property, people, and assets requires a structured approach that identifies real risks before solutions are applied.
Qualifications of an Independent Security Risk Assessor.
Introduction The effectiveness of any security strategy depends on the quality of the assessment behind it. In South Africa, the growing demand for security risk
A better understanding of Security
Intro: Security Risk Assessment and Understanding Security: We firmly believe that a security risk assessment is the only tool that can help you understand
Security risks create opportunities –
Introduction Effective security starts with accurate risk identification. It requires more than qualifications or theory. It demands a practical understanding of how crime develops, how
Service Providers: Their role in a Security Risk Assessment
Introduction Service providers play an important part in the broader security landscape, especially during a physical security risk assessment. Their level of professionalism, cooperation, and
MAKING SENSE OF SECURITY
Introduction Physical security risk assessments are often misunderstood or overlooked, yet they serve one of the most critical purposes in any environment: protecting human life.
Security Discussion with Your Partner
Protecting your home and family begins with understanding whether your current security measures are truly effective. Many households rely on alarms and cameras, assuming this
Security Profiles
Introduction Effective estate security starts with understanding the true complexity of the environment. Estates operate as structured communities with business elements, requiring a level of
Residential Estate Security
Introduction Enhancing security within residential estates begins with a clear understanding of how risk is identified and managed in complex living environments. While many estates
Independent security assessment Africa
Introduction Securing a home or business in South Africa requires more than assumptions or standard security measures. It requires a clear, objective understanding of where
Independent Security Risk Assessments – Know the Difference
Introduction Real security begins with a clear and honest understanding of what a risk assessment is meant to achieve. While many assessments are carried out
Security is Willpower
Effective security begins with WILLPOWER. While many rely on systems, equipment, and routine processes, real protection is rooted in the determination to understand how crime
Security risk assessor – Who is responsible for security?
Introduction Effective security in South Africa requires more than systems and procedures. It requires informed guidance, clear thinking, and the willingness to act before risk
PROFESSIONAL SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT
Introduction We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a corporate office in Cape Town, focusing on identifying risks that standard assessments often overlook.
Residential security risk – Handbook of 2022
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a warehouse in Nelspruit, identifying risks that standard assessments often overlook. This approach allows practical measures
School security vs sexual assault
Introduction Security in schools should never be treated as an afterthought. It forms a critical part of the responsibility to protect children, staff, and the
Independent Security Consultant.
Introduction Understanding security begins with understanding who you trust for advice. This article explains the role of independent security consultants and why true independence is
Time does not wait; Crime is the same.
Introduction Time continues without pause, and the same applies to crime. This article highlights the importance of recognising that security cannot be delayed, postponed, or
Know the difference: Independent Security Risk Assessments
Introduction Over the last 20 years, we have consistently seen that what many accept as a security risk assessment rarely reflects the true nature of
Alwinco: Conferences and Workshops
Alwinco often speaks at conferences and facilitates workshops, as this forms part of our endeavor to educate as many people as possible about Security Risk
December 2019
Introduction Crime continues to affect every part of South African society, leaving behind financial loss, emotional trauma, and long-term consequences for families, businesses, schools, and
No Communication = No Security
Introduction Effective security is not determined by the amount of hardware installed on a property but by how well the entire security system functions together.
Same Question, Different Week
Introduction Independent security risk assessments play a critical role in helping businesses, mines, estates, and corporate environments identify risks before incidents occur. At Alwinco, we
Thirty Seconds to Entry
Think it couldn’t happen to you? Think again. Sliding gates—we trust them. They’re convenient, they look secure, and they hum with the promise of protection.
Security Risk Assessment: The Value of a Hotline
Introduction In today’s complex security environment, the value of timely and well-structured information cannot be overstated. At Alwinco, Independent Security Risk Assessment Consultants, we continuously
Criminals are being allowed to break the law
Introduction Business security risk assessment is essential in today’s environment where commercial spaces face real and increasing threats that can unfold without warning. Shopping centres,
No more finger-pointing
Introduction A visitor arriving in South Africa should be met with a sense of excitement, discovery, and genuine hospitality as they step into one of
Hijackings increased – up by 55% – Is this acceptable?
Security risk assessment: Hijackings increased by 55%. They say that acceptance is the key to happiness. Will it make us happier if we accept the
Why is crime still thriving?
Introduction In a world defined by rapid technological advancement, it is a fair and important question to ask why crime continues to thrive despite
Why Should You Invest in a Security Risk Assessment?
Introduction: Understanding WHY you should invest in a Security Risk Assessment is as crucial as understanding the benefits, concepts, and the like of such an
Public Violence –
Introduction Public violence in the form of strikes and protests is a reality in South Africa, but it can be understood and managed with the
Driveway Security Risk Assessment
Introduction Crime prevention starts long before an incident takes place, and one of the most important areas to assess is the residential driveway. An
Independent Risk Consultant
Businesses often think they’re saving money By handling their own Security Risk Assessments, or by relying solely on their contracted security companies. Sounds smart, right?
Security GP to Remedy your Security
When a problem arises, what’s the first thing we tend to do? Rush for a quick fix. Imagine feeling sick; what do you do? You
Home Security Risk Assessment: Crime Prevention
Introduction Crime affects every family differently, but the one thing we all share is the need to feel safe in our own homes. A proper
Physical Security Risk and Confidentiality Go Hand in Hand
Confidentiality is a Priority in Terms of Physical Security Risk A crucial aspect of our business as Physical Security Risk Assessors is the value and
Security Risk Analysis and why the Risk Matrix is the incorrect measuring tool.
Introduction Physical security risk assessments play a critical role in protecting businesses, hotels, residential properties, and other environments against criminal activity. However, the effectiveness of
Security Control is Key
Introduction Security control is the foundation of any effective protection strategy. Even when security measures are already in place, control remains essential to ensure that
Independent Threat Analysis is NOT a Product Assessment
Introduction Security control is the foundation of any effective protection strategy. Even when security measures are already in place, control remains essential to ensure that
Physical Security Audit Vs Health & Safety in terms of RISK
Introduction For more than 30 years, organizations have relied on processes that appear to address security yet fail to identify real risk. This article challenges
Independent Assessment, Security & Risk FAQ
Introduction Security should never be reactive. It should be understood, assessed, and controlled before weaknesses are exposed. This article presents vulnerability from a practical, real-world
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Written by Andre Mundell