UPDATE: ADT refuses to terminate contract (Video)
HOUGHTON - Security company stands by as thieves enter home (Video).
UPDATE: 28 July 2014, 11:30am –
ADT client, Dr Chris Venter was told by the security company that he would have to buy himself out of a two year contract.
This in spite of CCTV footage showing criminals entering his home while an ADT officer in his vehicle apparently stood by and did nothing.
(Scroll down to view the video)
Venter accused the ADT reaction officer of “working with the criminals” who burgled his home.
Venter said even after he showed the security company CCTV footage of robbery suspects entering his home, while an officer in a vehicle belonging to the company was seen stationed right outside his home and appeared to do nothing, they still would not release him from his contract.
After reading the security provider’s comment on the story, Security company stands by as thieves enter home, week ending 2 August, Venter said he was disappointed, not only because the had to buy himself out of his contract, but also at the security company’s response to the incident.
“The area manager still failed to say the officer failed his voice analysis test, and I was surprised to read [in your article] about how they gave me formal feedback,” he said.
“I was always ignored when I phoned them until I eventually got one of the internal investigators phone number from the police.”
When asked under which circumstances a client could end their contract, Clive Humphrey managing director of ADT central region said terminating contracts, whether as a buyout or being released from a contract, is decided on a case by case basis.
“All the facts need to be taken into consideration,” he said. “If service delivery failures of a serious nature are the basis of the case, we would release a customer from contract,” he said.
Watch the CCTV footage below:
Do you think that Dr Chris Venter should have paid the remaining amount of his contract to the security company?
Tell us by posting on our timeline, Rosebank Killarney Gazette or tweet us @RK_Gazette
Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29C7976C
Related article:
Expert recommends smaller security companies
Initial report: This was the message by Houghton resident Dr Chris Venter who has accused an ADT reaction officer of “working with criminals” who burgled his home.
Venter showed The Gazette CCTV footage of robbery suspects entering his home while the officer in a vehicle belonging to his security provider, which is stationed right outside his home, appears to do nothing.
The vehicle is seen patrolling the area and driving up and down the street before pulling over in front of the victim’s gate, which, in the footage, is clearly wide open.
Moments later, two men are seen running onto the property, and sometime later, a black Toyota Corolla is seen entering and later exiting the premises – the men are not seen exiting, suggesting they left in the Toyota that is suspected to have loaded the stolen goods.
Venter, who is originally from Klerksdorp, said coming from a smaller town, when going away on holiday, it was the norm for a homeowner to tell the security company that they would be away for a certain period.
“But I guess that’s not how things work here. The alarm at my house went off a few times on the days my family and I had been away, and I eventually had to tell the control room that I was not at the house and would only be back a few hours afterwards,” he explained.
Venter said according to the time on the CCTV footage, the burglary happened after he spoke to the control room, and that “another suspicious issue”, was that the vehicle seen patrolling in the footage was meant to be patrolling in the Bryanston area.
“It’s disturbing that you can pay someone to protect you and this could happen in front of their eyes,” he said.
Watch the CCTV footage below:
After the robbery, Venter claimed the security company was not forthcoming with information – until he sent them the footage.
“It was only after getting the footage, [that they responded] and wanted to meet with me. As well, it did not seem [that] their intention was to help me catch the culprit, but rather protect their name,” he added.
Venter alleged when action was taken against the suspected reaction officer, it was revealed the man had false documentation.
“There was also a delay from the police’s side, but the man was eventually arrested. When the matter got to court, it was dismissed because there wasn’t a DVD player to play the footage,” claimed Venter.
Hillbrow police spokesperson Sergeant Mduduzi Zondo said the security company official was arrested, however, the case was not prosecuted due to lack of evidence and no eyewitnesses.
Managing director ADT Central Region, Clive Humphrey said the security company was aware of the incident.
“The incident and allegations were fully investigated by our investigations department, and this included all the relevant staff providing formal statements and undergoing Layered Voice Analysis testing,” he said.
“The CCTV footage supplied by the client also formed part of the formal investigation, and though a reaction officer was arrested by the police following the incident, he was subsequently released due to lack of evidence.
“The client was given formal feedback following the investigation. We would like to assure all our customers that any allegations against our staff are treated very seriously.”
Because the reaction officer was released without prosecution, his employment at ADT was not terminated.
After seeing this video, do you trust your security company?
Tell us by posting on our timeline, Rosebank Killarney Gazette or tweet us @RK_Gazette
Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29C7976C
You might also be interested in:
Police issue smash and grab warning
Keep your ward DA – get a bigger …
I dont trust them. Because the dont do there work i hope this customer are going to leave them and vind a better one
Am sorry to say this, ADT can not be trusted anymore – seven of this incidents had happened in Ebony Park, well let me rather say ‘reported’ in our sectional meeting.
The minute a call was logged with the control room then a good house robbery will be reported…
Not that am saying they have turned their brand into something they are not – am just saying they have employed wrong people and it’s not even funny.
Ongoing issue. My own incident, which was an armed robbery, took ADT 7.5mins to get there after panic was pressed. GPS tracking on their car said they were 300m away. They arrived from the opposite direction to the perps, meaning they went the long way round.
I was promised full results from an investigation but alas 2 months later- nothing. Despite numerous follow-ups.
I don’t care what Clive Humphrey has to say about his company, in fact this goes for any security company, they all have large numbers of bad elements. Best is to put the money you spend on their services towards securing your premises yourself.
This is just Shocking, ADT’s response to this incident is appalling and an absolute joke! This clearly corrupt officer is still employed by them and it only a matter of time until the next victim falls prey to him. Who Cares what the courts ruling was, the guy in that ADT vehicle is employed by ADT not the courts/government and it was ADT’s responsibility to dismiss him. I hope everyone shares this article!
You’d be much safer with no security company than with ADT.
CSS Tactical – those guys I trust.
I think all the readers should cancel their contracts with this scumbag company ADT. They dont deserve any business after this incident.
This is an old story with this security company. A friend of mine parked her car near an ADT vehicle in Meadowridge Cape Town specifically because she thought the car would be safe. She returned to her car about 15 minutes later at which time she saw the ADT vehicle moving off. Result … all 4 wheels had been removed which can only mean that he gave cover to the criminals. When she wanted to include this information in her affidavit, the police refused to stamp and sign the document until it was removed. The ONLY people safe in this country are the criminals. Most police are useless as well
This link must be sent far and wide so that both ADT and the courts are show up. Justice has not been done. ADT should be charged civilly as they didn’t do what they were paid to do.
We cancelled our ADT after we had a break in in May and suspected ADT working with the guys resposible for the break in. Inside jobs! Our gate was standing wide open and we have a lock box with the alarm going off the previous night.
I have even seen their patrol officers driving up to their parents home and sitting there for great lengths of time. Is this what they are paid for. I thought it was their function to patrol and lets not even add stopping at the schools to pick up their kids…… Just saying
It’s a disgrace and ADT should pay for the damages as well as replace all the stolen goods and open up a theft and collusion charge against their Security officer (what a Joke) for aiding and abetting
A bloody disgrace!!
I just joined them 3 months ago and so regretting already. They must be brought to book.
I was caught in the middle of an armed robbery at my business premises. The opposition security company (Mamba Security) did all the work & apprehended the criminals. ADT stuck a piece of paper in my gate in front of my eyes & drove off ! I promptly dumped ADT & signed up with Mamba.
No surprises there. ADT are only concerned with how much money they make. We kicked them out our area last year. Since then crime dropped 90% in our area
It’s not acceptable that the officer is still employed.
As far as I am concerned this and similar large (international?) security companies are no different than most other corporates in our lives … they are in it for the money and client service and integrity are not words found in their vocabulary.
Their reaction is exactly what could be expected from such a large company. Dismissing the case is also pathetic and the person involved should not leave it there.
We need to vote with our “feet” and take our hard-earned money where we get proper value for our money.
As far as I am concerned this and similar large (international?) security companies are no different than most other corporates in our lives … they are in it for the money and client service and integrity are not words found in their vocabulary.
Their reaction is exactly what could be expected from such a large company. Dismissing the case is also pathetic and the person involved should not leave it there.
We need to vote with our “feet” and take our hard-earned money where we get proper value for our money.
I think if they took the initiative to apprehend they would have gained another customer unless it was an inside job in witch case i think its ludacris only in africa
20 years ago Carte Blanche showed a video of ADT staff stealing from a customers house .. this was after the customer let them know they are away …
Since that video I TRUST no security company .. think of it … they KNOW more about your comings and going than your own friends.
I think if they took the initiative to apprehend they would have gained another customer unless it was an inside job in witch case i think its ludacris only in africa
I think if they took the initiative to apprehend they would have gained another customer unless it was an inside job in witch case i think its ludacris only in africa
Adt should be exposed in all media as the incompetents they are – they were my secure company and my house was broken into with the alarm fully activated and they gave me the activation report to prove it – their service shocking and these robberies are inside jobs – expose them! Put them out of business but more importantly change your security company – I did
Adt should be exposed in all media as the incompetents they are – they were my secure company and my house was broken into with the alarm fully activated and they gave me the activation report to prove it – their service shocking and these robberies are inside jobs – expose them! Put them out of business but more importantly change your security company – I did
Adt should be exposed in all media as the incompetents they are – they were my secure company and my house was broken into with the alarm fully activated and they gave me the activation report to prove it – their service shocking and these robberies are inside jobs – expose them! Put them out of business but more importantly change your security company – I did
Adt should be exposed in all media as the incompetents they are – they were my secure company and my house was broken into with the alarm fully activated and they gave me the activation report to prove it – their service shocking and these robberies are inside jobs – expose them! Put them out of business but more importantly change your security company – I did
Is there any accountability? Can this company / security companies be investigated by some reputable commission? As long as these issues go unchecked, our country will remain a safe haven for criminals and associates. ADT should fire the criminal officer of theirs for not acting in his duty. Ethics!!?
Now this rings a bell! Was also an ADT car outside the house of the well known doctor in pta that chased away when he was asked for help!
I know 5 people who were broken into after ADT did their installation. The robberies wouldnt stop until they changed security firms. Coincidence? I think not. I wish that company would be investigated. They cannot be trusted.
CAP is the only non – profit security company to use! Their work is outstanding. Never had an issue and trust them with my life. 0861800018
Hi reading this message shocks me to think people need jobs but comes with other intentions.We get polices that are corrupt now security officers the same were else they should protecting us from the criminals.The saying is very true never trust your right hand from the left . Please tell Zuma to bring back the death penalty by demand I bet you guys the crimes will be much less.Let us all live a good life in this beautiful country nd let it crime free to see we will be rated the best Country in the World. I thank you all the best .
CORTAC….criminals are scared shitless when CORTAC patrol as they are trained and highly motivated in keeping our suburbs safe, as an ex soldier from Israeli I know what I want from my security provider and that’s Professionalism and confidence…
Sikwekwe Security a very professional company is the only company I know who’s Director gets an alert aswell if a clients alarm goes off! Immediate phonecall is made and if no respond person will be arrested if you don’t know the info asked.
This ADT must be cancelld I am saying this I am a security gud I always talk to those reactions they sayd they y company not allowed him to risk and they take his time when he go for respond even me I don’t saport that bullshit must go we have lost if u ready this drop your contruct the ADT by me as I always see what’s hapen at the road
Mr Humpreys is still in denial regarding his company.He failed to tell us that this particular guard failed his Voice Layered Test.His security company should become part of the solution in South Africa in and not the problem.If not they should go back to their country of origin and go and guard Buckingham Palace.
An ADT technician came on a Friday to “fix” an alleged problem. What he did was deactivate the alarm in our sound studio and we were burgled the next night. Lost R90,000 worth of equipment. We replaced it, and 6 weeks later were burgled again within 20 minutes of a 5 month old alarm battery dying. This was 5 years ago and I sent correspondence all the way to the top. I’m still waiting for a report.
I had a security gate with 6 cameras, numberplate reader, fingerprint reader and 2 gaurds. It was instructed that no one without a fingerprint is alowed in. All controlled by ADT. Return home one day to find my house completely empty and all records of the 6 cameras and numberplate reader missing for 2 hours only… Police said fire ADT as it was clearly an inside job, but dont expect any help from their side.
Caught a gaurd on my property on night at 12:00, the managers response was he reacted on a alarm.
I informed him that I am not with ADT.
HIS RESPONSE WAS SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT.
I DO NOT TRUST THEM AT ALL.
We work with all our neighbours to watch each others property.
I have been warned by other companies – do NOT trust ADT.
This is proof – their own guard is caught robbing a client and they keep him on?!
NO RESPECT!
I have been warned by other companies – do NOT trust ADT.
This is proof – their own guard is caught robbing a client and they keep him on?! Typical South Africa – the scum that are meant to protect you take advantage.
Similar to my own case. I accused them of being complicent, and they promised an investigation. 2 months and still no answer despite numerous follow-ups.
A neighbourhood security meeting brought the issue up. They claimed that all was in order despite their own gps tracking data stating the opposite. They avoid any liability whatsoever.
I would campaign all the houses in the area to see who else uses ADT with the view to cancelling all their ADT contracts.
He should not, ADT stood and did nothing while they were supposed to do their job. That is breach of contract. He should just be able to cancel the worthless contract
hi i also would like toe get rid of adt coz they take there time to get to ur house,they are to scared to go into a propety if its open or not.they wont help u if u are getting raped killed or robbed in ur house.if i phone them with a problem they always say ill phone u back and they never do.i have adt now for 3 years and non stop shit,shit,shit .nobody at adt has balls to get back to a client if his pissed with them.whats the use of having ADT if u still need to spend money on making ur home safe?i really dont feel safe with ADT garding my house!!
Oh dear Looks like their website is Down.
Maybe will come back up after they give Mr Venter a fair contract exit. Maybe
I got rid of ADT in December and changed to CAP.
I am extremely glad that I did. The level of professionalism and awareness that I currently receive from CAP is not found with the larger security companies. CAP are very proactive in crime fighting. If I was in Dr Venters shoes I would have told them to go to hell with regards the balance of contract.
No no guys this is real unfair,I think everyone now knows what’s best or good for us as a community coz this is more than enough seriouly
This is Disgusting! Something must be done. The only security company I trust and would recommend to any community is 7Arrows security. They specialise in Community Protection and the work very closely and in Association with CAP. I love the fact that they do proactive patrols in there communities. I tested them ones, response time was about 3 minutes. The tactical vehicle was there already as I got the call.
Mr Venter should not have paid the remaining contract amount as ADT is in bridge of their contract.
Well, I certainly would not use this company to secure my home. The only question is, how can you be sure that any of the others are any better. Best read in detail the terms and conditions and make sure that you have the right to terminate if you’re not satisfied. If such a condition is not available, then you can be pretty sure that the company is crap.
I am looking at getting some security and after ADT’s apparent F*$&-you attitude to Mr Venter’s plight I am not going to be using them.
According to the Consumer Protection Act 1st April 2011 – NO ONE has to pay out for the remainder of any ‘contract’ when you give 21 days written notice. Utter BS of ADT – I cancelled my subscription with them and they also tried that rubbish on me – they are aware that only 21 days notice needs to be given!
I was mugged outside my gate, I pressed the panic button and it did not go off. I set the alarm off and got a call back, after about 30minutes explaining the problem I was told that a callout would be R250 and because it was Saturday I have to pay R600.But because they were fully booked for the weekend,I requested that the patrol car come around more often especially at night and leave a call slip. The weekend passed and no slips. Monday I called and asked for the regional manager, I was told they will pass the message. Tuesday afternoon I found 4 slips for the weekend as well as Tuesday all signed by the same person. The time on Tuesdays slip was 2hours ahead of the actual time. I reported it and to date have still not received a response.
We have many similar allegations regarding ADT in our own area in CT, and do not trust the security company at all.
We have terminated our contract with ADT, and so have many of our friends,after very heavy garden furniture disappeared from the patio when only ADT had access to the property! Big misteake to give them access! We however had no proof but switched to CSS at the first opportunity! No problems and no worries for five years!
It sounds as if they are just getting away with total incompetence and criminal behaviour! I would not recommend them to anyone! I think Mr Venter was treated very unfairly and should just have refused to pay any further monies to ADT!
Thank you so much for this article. I actually have an appointment with ADT tonight to sign a contract with them. After reading your article I immediately cancelled the appointment
A couple of years ago we had a case where our alarm was triggered and we were burgled. This alarm was checked, armed, heard by all the neighbours, had a new battery, never failed to send the signal to the control, yet on this occasion ADT failed to respond. The police arrived and were more helpful than ADT. ADT did their own checks and agreed we could break the contract. We faxed them the instruction to cancel the debt order. They came and took out their radio transmitter. We signed up with another company and I checked that the ADT debt order did not go through by the end of the month. BUT sneaky they delayed the debt by a few days so I did not pick it up. This went on for 3 or 4 months. When I phoned them irate, they said they had no record of cancellation (I sent the fax and proof of transmission. They said this was not good enough, we had to name who came to fetch the transmitter! After another two months they finally stopped billing us. WE NEVER GOT REFUNDED.
“If service delivery failures of a serious nature are the basis of the case, we would release a customer from contract,” Such arrogance! In days gone by this would rightfully be described as a “Protection Racket”.