{"id":202487,"date":"2019-04-23T07:00:24","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T05:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=202487"},"modified":"2019-04-23T12:48:48","modified_gmt":"2019-04-23T10:48:48","slug":"selecting-new-security-provider-make-sure-ask-right-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/04\/23\/selecting-new-security-provider-make-sure-ask-right-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Selecting a new security provider? Make sure you ask the right questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Appointing an armed response company for your home is becoming increasingly essential, with latest crime stats released by Fidelity ADT pointing towards housebreaking and common thefts as the most often reported types of crime.<\/p>\n

Selecting a new security company can be a daunting task if you haven\u2019t figured out what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>

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Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, suggested weighing all the options before deciding.<\/p>\n

She said there are four questions to ask:<\/p>

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  1. Are their officers properly trained and equipped?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cThis is crucial in the case of an emergency; a security provider that deploys efficient and well-trained officers should be a top priority,\u201d advised Hattingh. It is advisable to ask the company what kind of training their response officers have received. It is also imperative to be aware of what kind of protective items they carry when patrolling and responding to emergencies. For example, do they have vehicles with armour plated windows, and are the officers protected with Kevlar vests?<\/p>\n

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    1. Is the security company compliant?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Check if the company is registered with the industry regulatory agency, like the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). A company that isn\u2019t registered won\u2019t be held accountable for providing officers who are subpar. Non-compliant organisations are not bound to the industry\u2019s regulations, which can negatively impact its services and employees. \u201cThe onus lies with the public to ask the relevant questions before entering into any agreement, and to be on the lookout for any potential \u2018fly-by-night\u2019 security providers,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

      Police urge residents to stop parking their vehicles on pavements and take other crime warnings to heart<\/a><\/p>\n

      SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

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      1. What are you looking for?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        There are many technological advancements to make things convenient and give you peace of mind. CCTV cameras, home monitoring automation systems and mobile panic buttons are some of the options available to homeowners. The company should keep abreast with the latest industry trends. \u201cTechnology available on your smartphone can help you to arm or disarm your system remotely and view your property through security cameras, aside from receiving a notification when your alarm is set off,\u201d explained Hattingh.<\/p>\n

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        1. What is the cost?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Ask about hidden costs and know what you will be paying for. To ensure good value for money, become acquainted with the various services on offer to suit your needs. \u201cThere is a big difference between merely offering a monitoring service as opposed to a full armed response service. Ask exactly what you will get for your money,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n

          \u201cDoing your homework and considering all of these factors will help you find the best security company to keep you and your loved ones safe,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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          Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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