HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANY?

In these uncertain times when the economy is depressed, we have to expect crime to increase.

Intruders, break-ins and theft have been reported in and around Henley on Klip. Liquor and food are now on the shopping lists along with the usual electronic goods.

What can you do to safeguard yourself and your family?

First, you need to consider your primary security, such as properly functioning electric fencing, burglar bars on all opening windows, security gates on all doors and beams in the garden. Make your space an unattractive option for an intruder.

Henley on Klip falls into the Meyerton SAPS precinct. It does not have its own police station.

The Henley on Klip Community Police Forum (HCPF) patrols when there are sufficient patrollers to do so. This is a purely voluntary community service. Volunteers are eyes and ears only; the HCPF assists where possible, but it is not an armed response security service.

Ideally you need to contract a private security company. Several operate in this area, such as AfriGuard, Fidelity ADT, Futuris Monitoring Services (FMS), Henley Watch, National Security & Fire, PEL Security Services, RedTrac/RedOps, Wesizwe Risk Solutions and others. How do you choose?

Ask the right questions. Don’t just go for the cheapest. Find out what they offer.

What is their monthly cost and added value benefits; how long have they been in business; how many armed response officers are deployed in this area and what is their level of training; what safety and protective items do they have to carry out their duties; are they registered with PSIRA, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority?

What supervision systems are in place? Do they keep up with technological developments: do their alarm systems comply with national quality standards?

Other considerations are how quickly they will respond; do they have other clients in the area; do staff have continuous training; are they accredited to SAIDSA’s technical standards?

Is your safety a priority? Will your chosen security service provider walk that extra mile for you?

Choose carefully. Your family’s safety and security is on the line.

– News24, LRA, Henley Herald