The festive season is fast approaching. For retail workers, it’s their busiest season, and for millions of South Africans, it’s time to spend, spend, spend at any of the country’s 2 000 shopping centres and malls.
Unfortunately, South Africa’s festive season is notorious for excessive crime, especially at malls. And while the December holidays may be an exciting time for many, this isn’t the case for property and facilities managers who may feel added pressure to provide safe and effective security services for their tenants and their customers.
The experts suggest the following five crime prevention measures for property and facilities managers and their tenants and customers.
1. Patrolled guarding
Visible security is essential in helping deter criminals. Keep guards at entry and exit points and have them randomly patrol areas to ensure everything is in order.
2. Install closed circuit television (CCTV) systems
Revamp security and add CCTV cameras to monitor all corners of the premises. These systems are very effective and can deter theft and vandalism. And if necessary, can provide high-quality images of criminal activity, exposing criminals in high definition.
3. Keep the lights on
Especially in dark and poorly lit areas. Use motion sensor lighting in places that aren’t frequented a lot, such as those far-to-reach parking spots no one likes to park in. Keep these areas lit up so that customers feel safe and secure.
4. Use alarm systems
Depending on your security needs, make use of silent or loud alarm systems. The sirens from an alarm system are effective deterrents.
5. Access control systems
Prevent people from accessing areas they shouldn’t be. If all people are allowed everywhere on the premises, it becomes challenging to keep track, especially when nefarious activities occur. Use access control systems to keep track, and if a crime takes place, determine who was in the vicinity.
Safe and secure premises will not only enhance your premises’ security, but also its reputation. Invest in efficient security services that will make everyone feel safe and attract more tenants and more customers. To learn more about how Servest’s security team can provide you with top-of-the-range security services that will keep your premises secure, visit https://www.servest.co.za/our-services/.
