Security Jobs Finder - Insights

7th Edition

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2. Warning for shopping malls and petrol stations in South Africa

Security firm Fidelity ADT has warned retail businesses and petrol stations that there has been a rise in criminals targeting their shops—and consumers are also advised to exercise caution.

On 18 June, Charnel Hattingh, the Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, highlighted an alarming surge in business robberies.

She noted that criminals are increasingly targeting retail establishments like clothing stores in shopping malls and garage shops at petrol stations, which are easily accessible targets.

The criminal’s main target is cash from the tills, but there is potential for these robbers to turn their attention to consumers’ valuables, such as their smartphones, jewellery, and money.

As a result, Fidelity ADT has advised cation for both business owners and going consumers.

“Business owners are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, ensure the functionality of their CCTV systems, and remain alert for any suspicious activities.

“It is recommended that at least two staff members carry concealed panic buttons at all times,” said Hattingh.

Additionally, she added that visitors to these outlets are advised to exercise extra caution.

“While these criminals’ primary target is the cash from the till rather than the customers, the situation remains at a heightened state of alert,” she said.

Hattingh emphasised that the potential for a robbery to escalate into violence can be mitigated through the behaviour of both staff and customers.

She added that both visitors to the store or shop and its employees should not resist, stay relaxed, not set off any siren, and do exactly what they’re told.

Concerningly, insurance companies also noted that shops and stores aren’t the only targets.

Earlier this year, Santam warned that hijackers were increasingly targeting vehicles, shopping malls, petrol stations, and even schooling events.

The insurer added that hackers have shifted from older, low-value vehicles with limited security requirements to more expensive double cabs and SUVs, including Toyota Landcruisers and Prados.

Unfortunately, South Africa has seen an increase in robbery at commercial premises, shoplifting, and hijackings year-on-year, with some provinces experiencing a bigger jump in these crimes than others.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) latest quarterly crime states show that cases of ‘other serious crimes’ have increased by 2.7% in South Africa.

Other serious crimes include commercial crime, shoplifting, and other types of theft.

However, commercial crime has increased by a significant 17.3%, while shoplifting has risen by 4.8%.

Additionally, hijackings have increased by 6.5% year-on-year, and this equates to approximately 66 cars being stolen daily.

Most commercial crime incidents occur in the most populated provinces, such as Gauteng (34.3%), the Western Cape (19.6%), and Kwa-Zulu Natal (16.1%).

Western Cape also experienced the biggest increase in commercial crimes, jumping 19.8%. This was followed by Gauteng (19.7%) and the Eastern Cape (19.6%).

However, when considering shoplifting, Limpopo showed the biggest increase of 9.7% compared to Gauteng, which showed a 7.5% increase in cases.

According to the SAPS, similar provinces experienced a notable year-on-year increase in hijackings: Gauteng (14.4%), the Western Cape (14%), and the North West (11%).

Interestingly, Kwa-Zulu Natal saw a 17.6% decrease in carjackings, followed by the Eastern Cape (-5.2%).

https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/777729/warning-for-shopping-malls-and-petrol-stations-in-south-africa/

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3.Weekly Poll

Last week’s poll results

Last week we asked: Have you been a victim of a Social Media Recruitment Scam?

Responses: We had 6 responses on last week’s poll:

33% of respondents voted yes

67% of respondents voted no.

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4. Interview Q & A

This week’s topic will address the question of:

1. What is Access Control?

   Reason for Asking

   Recruiters ask this question to assess your understanding of a fundamental concept in the security industry. Access control is critical for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter certain areas or access specific resources. Your response will help the recruiter gauge your knowledge of security principles and your ability to implement and manage security systems effectively.

   Information Recruiters are Looking For

   - Basic Understanding: A clear and concise definition of access control.

   - Knowledge of Types: An understanding of different types of access control systems.

   - Implementation Insight: Awareness of how access control systems are implemented and managed.

   - Importance: Recognition of why access control is important in maintaining security.

   How to Answer

   When answering this question, aim to provide a comprehensive, short and concise explanation. Highlight your practical experience and knowledge of different access control methods. Here’s an example of how to structure your response:

   "Access control is a security technique that regulates who or what can view or use resources within an organisation. It is a fundamental concept in security management, encompassing both physical and logical systems.

   There are two primary types of access control:

   1. Physical Access Control: This involves securing physical locations like buildings, rooms, or restricted areas using locks, biometric scanners, key cards, and security personnel.

   2. Logical Access Control: This pertains to the protection of data and systems through mechanisms such as passwords, PINs, access control lists, and role-based access controls (RBAC).

   Implementing access control involves several steps, including identifying and authenticating users, granting appropriate levels of access, and monitoring and auditing access to ensure compliance with security policies. For instance, in my previous role, I was responsible for managing the access control system, which included setting up user accounts, assigning roles, and regularly reviewing access logs to identify any unauthorised attempts.

   Access control is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information, protecting organisational assets, and ensuring that only authorised individuals can access certain areas or data. This helps in preventing breaches, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining overall security integrity."

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5. The different career options available in the security field

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Security Shift Supervisor

A Security Shift Supervisor plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of an organisation's premises, assets, and personnel. This position requires a blend of leadership, keen observational skills, and a thorough understanding of security protocols. Here, we'll delve into the specific roles, duties, and responsibilities that define this critical position.

Roles of a Security Shift Supervisor

1. Leadership Role: Acting as the primary leader for the security team during a shift, the supervisor is responsible for overseeing and guiding the security personnel under his control.

2. Liaison Role: Serving as the main point of contact between the security team, management, and external agencies like law enforcement or emergency services.

3. Operational Role: Ensuring the smooth operation of security measures and systems, including surveillance equipment, access control systems, and communication devices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Management

- Supervision: Directing the activities of security officers to ensure effective coverage of the facility.

- Scheduling: Managing shift schedules, breaks, and rotations to maintain constant security presence.

- Performance Monitoring: Evaluating the performance of security personnel, providing feedback, and conducting performance reviews.

Training and Development

- Orientation: Conducting initial training for new hires to familiarise them with security protocols and procedures.

- Ongoing Training: Organising regular training sessions to keep the team updated on new security measures, technologies, and best practices.

- Mentorship: Providing guidance and support to team members to help them develop their skills and advance their careers.

Incident Response

- Emergency Response: Leading the response to security incidents such as trespassing, theft, or emergencies like fires or medical situations.

- Incident Investigation: Conducting preliminary investigations into incidents, gathering evidence, and preparing detailed reports.

- Coordination: Working with local law enforcement and emergency services during significant incidents, ensuring proper communication and collaboration.

Monitoring and Surveillance

- Surveillance Oversight: Supervising the monitoring of CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

- Patrol Management: Organising and overseeing regular patrols of the facility to deter and detect security breaches.

- Access Control: Ensuring that all entry and exit points are secure and that only authorised individuals are allowed access to the premises.

Customer Service

- Client Interaction: Acting as a liaison between the security team and the client, addressing any concerns or requests promptly and professionally.

- Visitor Management: Assisting visitors and employees, providing information, and ensuring they adhere to security protocols.

- Conflict Resolution: Handling disputes or confrontations in a calm and professional manner, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Compliance and Reporting

- Policy Enforcement: Ensuring that all security operations comply with company policies, legal regulations, and industry standards.

- Documentation: Maintaining accurate logs and records of all security activities, incidents, and inspections.

- Equipment Maintenance: Regularly checking and maintaining security equipment to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Essential Skills and Qualities

To effectively perform their duties, a Security Shift Supervisor must possess the following skills and qualities:

- Leadership: The ability to inspire and manage a team effectively.

- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and interaction with team members, clients, and external agencies.

- Problem-Solving: Quick and effective decision-making abilities, especially in high-pressure situations.

- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to identify potential security risks and ensure thorough documentation.

- Physical Fitness: Good physical condition to handle the demands of the job, including patrolling and responding to incidents.

Conclusion

The role of a Security Shift Supervisor is multifaceted and demanding, requiring a balance of leadership, vigilance, and practical security knowledge. By effectively managing their team, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with security protocols, a Security Shift Supervisor plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment. This position not only requires a strong foundation in security practices but also demands continuous development and adaptability to new challenges and technologies in the security industry.

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6. Bonus Article:

NAME AND SHAME CONSUMERS WHO HIRE UNREGISTERED SECURITY COMPANIES

INDUSTRY

PUBLISHED ON 19 JUNE 2024 BYNIVASHNI NAIR

Consumers continue to hire unregistered security companies in SA.

Consumers, who use unregistered security companies, must be named and shamed.

This is a call from Security Association of South Africa (SASA) national administrator, Tony Botes, who reminded offending consumers that using an unregistered security company to protect homes and businesses could result in a fine of up to R1 million and/or land them behind bars for two years.

Speaking at Securex 2024, Botes said offending consumers are forcing prices down to levels that oblige security service providers to reduce their profits and eventually the remuneration of security officers just to survive.

“The tragedy in this is that very many consumers are forcing their security service providers to offer their services at “below cost”, which can only result from the security officer being remunerated at well below the statutory levels or working in excess of the statutory hours permitted.”

“It is a logical conclusion that Mr or Ms Consumer is well aware that the security personnel protecting their valuable assets are being exploited because the security company will never tender or provide services at a loss, but they still demand prime service and protection from such grossly and illegally exploited security officers,” Botes said.

THE EXPLOITATION OF SECURITY OFFICERS IS INCREASING AT AN ALARMING RATE, THROUGH THE USE OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS ALSO KNOWN AS SELF-EMPLOYED SECURITY OFFICERS; UNREGISTERED OR GROSSLY “EXTENDED” LEARNERSHIPS AND CO-OPERATIVES.

Tony Botes

He said the Code of Conduct for Security Service Providers, 2003, places statutory obligations on security service providers towards clients. Contravention of the code constitutes improper conduct, as well as a criminal offence.

However, the Act also places a specific legal duty on consumers of private security services to use only legitimate and registered security service providers.

“In terms of section 38(3)(g) of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) Act, consumers are guilty of a criminal offence and can be prosecuted for intentionally or negligently using the services of security businesses that are non-compliant with the Act.  On conviction, a consumer is liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 24 months, or to both a fine and such imprisonment,” Botes said.

The use of illegal service providers could also adversely affect any insurance claim for losses relating to burglaries or robberies.

The owner of a security company based in Gauteng told ProtectionWeb the consumer “does not care” if a security company is registered or not.

“They want boots on the ground. They mostly don’t care about what goes on behind closed doors with staff and compliant companies,” he said.

The man, who did not want to be named, said unregistered security companies charge anywhere between R6000 and R12000 to deploy illegal and unregistered guards.

“These guards are sometimes paid anywhere from R2000 to R4000 we have seen this when we are quoting on sites,” he said.

However PSIRA guidelines suggest that the consumer should be charged around R20000.

“The impact is you lose business and cannot sustain the costs of trying to operate legally. The costs are insane. It’s just not a business you can compete in legally. We have mandatory costs that need to be paid, PSIRA, medical aid for guards, provident fund, bargaining council, UIF, COID, and believe it or not every guard is entitled to a bonus every year.”

“This amounts to large sums of money lost and one cannot budget for it.”

PSIRA spokesperson Bonang Kleinbooi said the Illustrative Pricing serves as a guideline and is not mandatory.

“We established this as we saw a rise where security companies and clients were not sure as to how much they should pay.”

The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) spokesperson Sindisiwa Changuion said the association had engaged with PSIRA on the mushrooming of illegal security companies.

“We also engaged on the need to increase inspectorate and funding so that there is sustainability in the inspection of companies that are not compliant.”

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Thats it for this weeks edition. I hope that you found it informative. Make sure to like and subscribe and follow our socials for jobs etc.

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