The Art of Reverse Crime Engineering
security risk assessment Carnavon: I have 21 years of experience in the South African Police Force, specifically within the Crime Investigation Unit. Thereafter, I moved on to the security industry. Through meticulous notes, inspections of countless crime scenes, and interviews with both victims and criminals, André identified recurring factors that facilitated crime. This effort led to the development of the Art of Reverse Crime Engineering, a methodology aimed at preventing crime by eliminating opportunities for it to occur.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment using reverse crime engineering for a commercial building in Durban, identifying vulnerabilities that standard assessments often overlook. This approach analyzes how criminals could exploit weaknesses before an incident occurs, allowing for practical measures to be implemented proactively.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
“A crime can only occur if three elements are present: desire, ability, and opportunity.”
- Desire: The desire of a criminal is influenced by their upbringing, background, and circumstances and cannot be altered by external means.
- Ability: The criminal’s ability, whether it be strength or intelligence, can be mitigated by making the situation more challenging, such as by installing stronger bars or sophisticated systems.
- Opportunity: This category is where crime prevention is most effective. By removing opportunities, we can significantly reduce crime, as criminals are typically opportunistic.
There are a variety of reasons why criminals find opportunities:
1. Victims often lack sufficient knowledge about securing their properties.
2. Victims are not proactive about their security, both before and after a crime.
3. Few victims have security plans for the future.
4. Proper security risk assessments are rarely conducted.
These insights emphasize
The importance of independent security risk assessments. Andre Mundell’s observations and subsequent blogging garnered public interest and inspired him to establish Alwinco (derived from ‘Always in Control’), an independent risk assessment company. At the time, such a service was unprecedented, but there was a clear niche.
“South Africans have a misguided insight into crime.” “It’s a negative topic that people avoid discussing. This perspective is flawed.”
Action is typically taken only after an individual becomes a victim or knows someone who has. Outdated security measures from the 1980s, like guard dogs or basic alarm systems, are ineffective against modern criminals. Security measures must be integrated and mutually reinforcing.
A new approach to security emerged.
Encompassing external crime (from outsiders), internal crime (employees and inside jobs), and extreme crime (grudges, disgruntled workers, mob mentality, alcohol, narcotics, and muti). Key decision-makers, including CEOs and MDs, began to recognize the importance of security risk assessments.
Today, security budgets are adjusted only when top executives acknowledge the necessity of security. It is seen as an investment rather than an expense. The true value of security becomes apparent when the cost of preventing a crime is compared to the cost of replacing equipment, confidential data, vehicles, and even lives.
“Since leaving the police force, I have conducted nearly 300 security risk assessments on various buildings and structures.”
Alwinco’s independence from manufacturers, suppliers, and installers ensures unbiased assessments. Unlike many assessors who provide free or low-cost evaluations influenced by the products and services they sell, Alwinco focuses solely on identifying and mitigating risks.
Alwinco also offers training for those interested in conducting independent security risk assessments. “To date, however, we have not encountered anyone (except internationally) who fully understands the concept.”
Written by André Mundell. # security risk assessment Carnavon
