Know your enemy and yourself, warns Alpha Security

There are many steps you can take to protect and ensure the safety of your loved ones not only during one of the busiest times of the year, but every other day of the year as well.

But what if one of these steps fail, and simply put, there are no back-up plans to keep your home, family or valuables protected from criminals?

Alpha Security is much more than a mere back-up plan and will do everything they can to ensure your safety.

Armed to the teeth with the latest state-of-the-art intelligence-based network of equipment and monitoring systems and a web of informants to draw from, this is as advanced as it gets.

“Criminals are getting smarter, and so should you,” warns Alpha Security’s Ballito area manager Rex Hunt.

Rex has a background in anti-poaching, cross-border intelligence and combating the illegal wildlife trade.

Rex offers the following advice for those who want to avoid becoming a statistic.

1. Be alert and vigilant 

Firstly your own ears are probably the most valuable asset you have in the fight for securing your home.

“It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and being able to determine the difference between a familiar and unfamiliar noise on your property,” said Rex.

“Security starts with you, know your neighbours and stay in touch with your security provider,” he said.

General home security should also not be neglected and home owners are urged to arm their security systems before retiring for the evening.

“Ensure that your alarm is activated and, should it go off, rather wait a few seconds before re-arming it and see if it goes off again.

“Not only does this signal that there may be a threat on your property, but it also assists our monitoring systems in predicting a pattern of movement so that when we send teams to investigate they know where to start and perhaps even what to expect,” said Rex.

2. Viability

Secondly, Rex said you should ensure a clear line of sight both on arrival and when leaving your property.

This can be done by maintaining verges and greenery on a regular basis.

By strategically placing LED lighting around your property, light can assist in obscuring a criminal’s view into your property.

But it’s not all about home-based security, warns Rex.

When leaving your property it is vital to remember that criminals may be monitoring your movements.

Theft out of motor vehicles is once again on the rise owing to the time of year and people should be conscious of leaving valuables in their vehicles, especially at the beach.

Rather leave valuables at home.

“You should know that you may be watched when arriving at the beach.

“Criminals are smart and monitor people leaving their vehicles at beaches. They will strike if the opportunity presents itself,” Rex said.

3. Report everything

Lastly, Rex advised that everything be reported to the SAPS, your neighbourhood watch and your security company no matter how small.

“This assists the police in allocating resources from the top down.”

“We are also gathering information no matter how small it may seem in order to at all times stay one step ahead of criminals,” said Rex.

ALSO READ: Alpha Security makes a big move in Ballito

Alpha Security are well-known within the community and they pride themselves as the area’s leading security service provider.

Rex joined Alpha Security in 2009 and worked his way up to becoming an area manager.

Under his guidance, the local Alpha Security branch has grown from a small team of security personnel to a resounding compliment of nearly 160 staff members, 13 reaction and patrol vehicles and more than 1000 clients.

Referring to one of the moments Rex recalls as a day he won’t forget, the murder of Bob Gawler has stuck with him.

Gawler was found dead at his farm in July of 2017, his wife alive and tied to a bed, unable to call for help.

His murder sent shockwaves through the community.

This only further fuelled Rex’s efforts in aiding those struck by the sudden loss of a loved one.

Rex and his team would also like to thank their clients for their continued support and, wish them all of the best for the year ahead.

Alpha Security has offices in Umhlali, Pietermaritzburg, Mtunzini, Eshowe, Empangeni, Richards Bay, Hluhluwe and Pongola.

The company has recently moved the Umhlali branch to Shop No 4, 71 Old Main Road, Umhlali, 4390.

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