The perception is often that very high walls and fancy entrances to complexes deter criminals, but this is not always the case, said Marcel Pienaar, estate and risk security specialist of Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
Security is often compromised for aesthetics, he explained.<\/p>
\u201cIn our experience, we\u2019ve found that often body corporates are shocked when a security specialist points out vulnerable areas in the complex\u2019s security.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes sense to have a security specialist involved from the get go if possible or to do a thorough assessment before security is installed or upgraded,\u201d he said.<\/p>
Access control is obviously a key component of the security solution and having a guard that mans the gate and is also expected to patrol is an issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entrance should be manned at all times, even if residents have their own access cards etc.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guard also needs to be able to alert a reaction company if security is under threat or assistance is needed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Pienaar added the security systems can be nullified when there is little or no provision for the safety of guards on duty.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn increasing criminal modus operandi is to observe the guard and then hold him at gunpoint allowing the criminals to enter the complex at leisure.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuard room windows are mostly never bulletproof or even tinted to ensure that the movement of the guard cannot be monitored from outside the complex,\u201d Pienaar said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the bottom line is that even in a secured complex, there is always a risk of burglaries and theft from inside and outside the complex and residents should remain vigilant and responsible for their personal security.<\/p>\n
This is particularly true of complexes that are not fully let or where construction workers are still present.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents,\u201d said Pienaar, \u201cneed to be part of the contingency planning, conducting regular security drills and monitoring of security systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also should not be complacent thinking that the complex security is enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe highly recommend that residents have alarms and other security measures in place in their individual units.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not uncommon to hear of cases where criminals have moved into complexes posing as residents and then break into houses before moving out with their stolen goods.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pointed out that security at complexes is now becoming far more specialised.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is essential that the complex\u2019s security provider can provide comprehensive security services that include technical support and pro-active planning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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