VIDEO: Centurion-based drone operator company to offer security programme training

Centurion’s commercial and industrial sites, state-owned rail, pipeline, and municipal infrastructure are some of the most targeted sites by sophisticated criminals.

As a result, private security operators and the SAPS are not only forced to stay one step ahead of the criminals tactically but must constantly evolve to do so.

According to commercial drone operator and UAV Aerial Works director Kim James, the latest Numbeo crime index, Pretoria scored a crime index of 81.8, making it highly rated city in Africa for crime.

“Even more worrying, four major metros in South Africa make the top 10.”

She said communities were facing an alarming level of crime – rampant theft and vandalism.

James said the fight against crime has employed more use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to help security and the SAPS on the ground.

The railway system in many parts of the country has been left crippled with little to no service to commuters and millions of Rand to repair the damage to the system.

James said crime has knock-on effects as it stifles economic growth and drives away much-needed investment which could translate into loss of job opportunities.

“UAV Aerial Works will be offering training to identified security guards at the Voortrekker Monument.

She said the monument had in the past been plagued by crime as locals and tourists have found themselves being victims of gangs, which also includes the Fountains Circle and Fort Klapperkop.

“Efforts are being realised to turn the tide on the crime and increase patrols so visitors can move around freely. This effort follows the inception of a crime prevention forum for the monument.”

James said the training would form part of a larger intervention to rid the area of crime.

“This will be in the form of a drone security programme training,” he said.

“The training will equip the monument’s in-house security officials with skills to detect breaches and criminals in and around the site aided by the use of drones, especially at night when visibility is limited.”

James said the addition of UAS as a layer of security has proven to be valuable. In many instances, it has deterred crime and assisted in the pursuit and subsequent apprehension of a suspect.

“While it may not be a silver bullet to prevalent crime issues, it is a great tool to aid the crime-fighting authorities.”

WATCH:

Voortrekker Monument spokesperson Gerhard Pretorius said the monument previously had recorded isolated incidents of criminal activity.

“Cable theft is an issue outside the borders of the monument, that affects us.

The monument has already put various measures in place such as rangers, security dogs and patrols with horses,” Pretorius said.

“We already make use of technology as preventative measures. We focus on our borders because people gain access to the terrain at our border fence.”

He said the drones would help the monument’s proactive strategy to prevent crime and not just be reactive when an incident happens.

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