A big consideration for most South Africans when leaving home to attend an event of any nature is security at the venue.
If it’s at a function venue or restaurant, do they have 24/7 security monitoring and surveillance cameras in the parking area? If your celebration is at a friend’s home, do they have proper home security solutions and the back-up of community safety services in place?
Nobody likes to be paranoid, but in South Africa paranoia is not a bad thing, says Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity Services Group Head of Marketing and Communications.
“The recent murder of a man by robbers who wanted his Rolex watch in the parking area of a busy restaurant in Boksburg – in broad daylight – is a prime example of the fact that criminals are extremely brazen. Whether opportunistic or planned, our only defence is to be vigilant at all times,” she says.
“With spring in the air, many of us will be socialising more at outdoor venues or entertaining outdoors at home. At home, you can take full control of the safety of your guests through things like good access control systems and outdoor beams. Remember too that you can back your home security solutions up with casual guarding.”
A security officer can protect your guests or keep an eye on things when you want some added protection at your home or office. Hattingh explains that Fidelity security officers deployed to private venues and residences are directly linked to armed response units in the area through their control room and a panic button.
“Casual guarding gives you added peace of mind that you have an expert eye watching over your function and the safety of your guests. There will be no need for anyone to worry about their personal safety or that of their vehicle. Your guests can kick back, relax and enjoy.”
Homes and businesses with 24-hour security monitoring and CCTV security cameras have a responsibility to ensure these are working properly at all times. Hattingh emphasises that criminals rely on the fact that many people are lax with their security systems.
“Don’t only ensure your security systems are working properly also use them to their full potential. For example, if you are entertaining outside at home activate the outdoor beams, electric fencing and areas of the home nobody will be using.
“You should do this even if you have hired a casual guard for added protection. Importantly too, your security systems must all be linked to an armed response. The breach of any areas you have entrusted to your security system will be acted upon immediately as the signal is received in the control room. You can rest assured help is on the way.”
Hattingh says a mistake people make when entertaining at home is leaving the gate open until all the guests have arrived.
“Never do this. It may be more convenient than constantly opening and closing the gate but it’s an open invitation to criminals. Once in the gate, these unwanted guests will be through your front door in no time. Things can go very wrong from here.”
Bear these 5 tips in mind too when throwing a party outdoors:
- As far as possible, guests should park inside the property. If they have to park outside, casual guarding is a good route to go.
- Don’t’ ‘advertise’ your party by putting balloons on the gate or a big arrow pointing down the road to ‘Michelle’s 60th’. With parties come people, gifts, cellphones, wallets and vehicles. Ensure your party isn’t one to remember for the wrong reasons because you inadvertently directed robbers straight to your front door.
- Don’t let your guard down because you’re at home. Keep a remote panic button close at hand – preferably around your neck or in your pocket. You can activate a silent panic in the event of an emergency and it could save lives.
- Have good lighting outside for evening entertaining, especially sensor lights.
- Ask your security provider to do extra patrols while you are having your bash. The armed response vehicle’s presence will be a deterrent and the reaction officer’s keen eye will pick up anyone or anything suspicious in the vicinity of your home.
“Security is something that often comes up around the dinner table or braai. It can be quite a morbid discussion, but spin it to a positive by telling your guests about the benefits you get out of your home security system and why you use casual guarding.
“Ensure them too that they and their vehicles are safe at your party because you have proper security solutions in place that will keep uninvited guests out!” Hattingh concludes.
