Who is really responsible for security in retail and shopping malls?
Independent security risk assessor – Is it the landlord, managing agents or facility managers, shopping center management, tenants, business owners, or the security company on the ground? The truth is, it’s not one, but all of them. Each party has a crucial role in making sure the security system is designed and operated effectively, efficiently, and with clear communication and defined responsibilities. A successful security approach considers all internal and external risks.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a Shopping centre in Pietermaritzburg, assessing responsibility alongside identifying risks that standard assessments often overlook. This approach enables practical measures to be recommended, improving the overall safety and security of the property.
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Now, just as important as the security system itself is knowing who is responsible for each part of it.
Without clarity on roles and duties, even the most sophisticated security setup will fall short (both in cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency). That’s why a thorough security risk assessment is critical. It helps identify, understand, and align your security plan with your overarching strategy and budget constraints.
It’s no secret that security is a big line item in retail budgets.
It’s common for landlords, managing agents, and tenants to investigate how to cut or limit this expense. But an independent security risk assessment can make sure you’re spending wisely, avoiding unnecessary costs or redundancies. In fact, security awareness training often saves more money than just adding more security measures.
Risk, as defined, is the probability or threat of damage, injury, loss, or liability due to internal or external vulnerabilities.
These can often be mitigated through proactive measures. For decades, we’ve responded to crime reactively rather than preemptively. Recent crime stats from SAPS show the results. Crime is on the rise, and it’s clear the methods we’ve relied on are no longer as effective. Criminals evolve, and so must we. We need to constantly reassess our vulnerabilities and the opportunities we’re giving to criminals, opportunities that threaten lives, property, and businesses.
The current trend of allowing security companies to define risk at no cost and propose solutions from their stockpiles shows that the retail sector isn’t taking security seriously enough.
Rarely is security being scrutinized by an independent security risk assessor whose goal is to identify strengths and weaknesses while aligning them with the retailer’s strategy. Without this independent security risk assessment, what is your new or existing security system designed according to?
Article written by Andre Mundell, independent security risk assessor at Alwinco.
Our security risk assessments cover all of South Africa, from Bloemfontein to Waterkloof, Midrand to Hyde Park, and Kempton Park all the way to Cape Town.