Alwinco Newsletter 1024 security risk assessment estates
Security risk assessment estates – Security in Estates and Complexes
Many residents in estates and complexes mistakenly believe that security is solely the responsibility of management, leading to complacency and dangerous habits like leaving windows open or doors unlocked. However, inadequate security measures, such as the lack of cameras, malfunctioning electric fences, and minimal guard presence, create significant vulnerabilities. These gaps, combined with misplaced trust, make estates and complexes attractive targets for criminals.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a residential estate in Sandton, identifying risks that standard assessments often overlook. This approach enables practical measures to be recommended, improving the overall safety and security of the property.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to cover, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
Criminals exploit these weaknesses
By overpowering guards, posing as domestic workers or delivery personnel, or temporarily living within the property to plan their crimes. Unfortunately, many estates only seek a security risk assessment after incidents occur. Such assessments, conducted by PSIRA-registered consultants, provide an in-depth investigation into existing security, identify vulnerabilities, and offer tailored solutions to mitigate risks. Residents must take an active role in their safety by reviewing their estate’s Security Risk Assessment and ensuring it’s professionally conducted. These assessments are not just documents—they are critical tools for protecting the lives of everyone in the community.
The Crime Triangle
The Crime Triangle explains that for a crime to occur, three factors must align: desire, ability, and opportunity. If someone lacks the desire to commit a crime, it won’t even cross their mind. For example, in a café, an unattended phone may go unnoticed by most people. However, a potential thief will quickly assess the opportunity, whether they can steal it (ability) and how they can do so without being caught.
Criminals are often resourceful and capable of using technology, like battery-powered grinders, to bypass security measures.
While installing a security gate may seem like a deterrent, it may not fully prevent crime, as criminals adapt to new tools and methods. Opportunity plays a critical role in crime. If the phone owner had taken their device, the opportunity for theft would not exist. The case highlights how negligence can create opportunities for crime. It’s essential to understand that the mere presence of security measures doesn’t eliminate risk. Human intervention, whether through neglect or complacency, often creates the opportunity for crime.
An independent Security Risk Assessment identifies these opportunities and provides tailored solutions. Thus, ensuring that security measures, such as hardware, are used effectively to mitigate risk.
The Risks of Using a Matrix System
The Matrix system, commonly used in health and safety reports, categorizes risks into levels based on the likelihood of occurrence. In this system, a “low” risk, marked green, still suggests a 20%-33% chance of a crime occurring. In the context of security, accepting this risk means acknowledging that a percentage of employees, residents, or family members could be harmed, which is unacceptable. No crime should ever be considered “acceptable,” as even low-risk crimes like theft or more severe incidents such as murder can have irreversible consequences.
Insurance can cover stolen goods, but it can’t restore what’s lost in terms of human life or security.
A Security Risk Assessment should be far more than a simple checklist. It must provide a comprehensive evaluation of all security aspects to ensure that future stakeholders fully understand the risks and solutions in place. The most effective SRAs are conducted by independent assessors who evaluate security from a criminal’s perspective. This allows for the identification of opportunities and the development of risk-specific solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to protect both assets and human lives, making it a matter of utmost importance.
Articles written by Andre Mundell.
In South Africa, our independent security consultants work in many cities, such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Midrand, Sandton, Centurion, Bloemfontein, Durban, and Cape Town.