SECURITY TIPS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

Now that the summer season is here, most families will prefer engaging in outdoor activities not limited to braai’s, pool parties and going on summer vacations. The travelling excitement and the scorching summer heat may lead to several simple mistakes that can brush-off the safety of our families. Furthermore, the same interesting summer season is also a peak season for burglary.

Below are some tips, which you should take into consideration this summer:

• Unplug and turn off all electronic power strips before you leave your house. This is a prevention against fires from electric faults.
• Do not open your windows and doors for fresh air at night; Burglars take this as an opportunity to fish valuables from your home.
• Secure your doors (locks) and windows when going away; alternatively employ the use of magnetic contacts (These are very affordable, yet very effective in preventing burglaries)
• Do not forget to arm your alarm; coincidentally most home alarm owners are burgled when the alarm is not armed.
• Do not share your travelling and holiday updates on social media, not all your social media connections make an honest living.
• Fence off your swimming pool and closely monitor your kids when they are swimming.
• Always be aware of fires emanating from the veld fires. If your yard is neighboring a bushy area make time to create a fireguard.
• Gradually invest in integrated security systems. With the current technology you can monitor you home from your mobile phone or laptop whilst travelling.

 

It pays to secure your home. Burglary can have a long-lasting emotional impact on victims, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable. Make sure you have a working home security system, which can have smoke detectors added to decrease your risk from Burglary/Fire. Think like a burglar and be extra cautious to not spoil your summer season. Stay safe this summer.

NB* Always Remember SECURITY BEGINS WITH YOU!

 

contact us on info@securico.co.zw   |   http://www.securico.co.zw

 

 

SAFE CASH HANDLING PROCEDURES

Crime trends have always shown that as we go towards year-end, there is sharp increase in the number of crime incidents. With this in mind, you should focus on taking as much control of your cash cycle internally as possible. How you handle your cash as a business has a huge bearing on weather you will become a statistic or not.

We shall look at some systems and procedures you can put in place to reduce your risk of loosing your hard earned cash to armed robbers.

• When moving cash around your business, it’s important to not draw attention to these activities. Move cash in an unmarked bag or container with as little exposure to the public as possible.

• Potential robbers will canvas a business they intend to rob in order to familiarize themselves with vulnerabilities on site cash security procedures; hence always assume someone is watching.

• Along with the obvious precautions involved with cash security, other hidden or behind the scenes cash security measures should be taken, for example a strong and reliable cash safe.

• Depending on your daily takings we encourage you to have a securely bolted down drop inn safe (Keys of which should be offsite). Access to the safe should be limited to only those employees who have been designated to have it. Change the combination to the safe often and after staff changes.

• During business a limit of cash in the register is set; when that limit is reached the cash should be stored and must be deposited daily or within 3 days.

• Use and encourage cashless purchasing e.g. POS machines and also pay workers by direct credit not cash (employees are your greatest risk).

• Ensure security systems are in working order and operating. No matter how advanced and effective a system may be it counts for nothing if it is dysfunctional or not activated

• It’s your responsibility as an employer to keep your employee’s safe. Counting cash should be done in a private area where customers cannot see.

• Minimize the amount of cash you have on site to avoid large losses from theft or fires.

They are countless security products designed to add layers of protection to your business. Use of CCTV cameras both inside and outside your premises will deter criminals. Cameras outside will be able to take crucial footage of whoever might have been suspiciously hanging around before a robbery.

NB* Always Remember “SECURITY BEGINS WITH YOU”

You can contact us on: info@securico.co.zw  |  www.securico.co.zw

Why Review your Security?

Regularly reviewing your security from time to time is very important and will help you reduce your risk from theft especially when we are approaching a holiday, no matter how short, of particular interest the up coming Independence holiday. We shall outline some basic things you need to take note of in order to keep your home safe.

 

• Be Informed – Being security conscious begins with a conscious effort to be informed about one’s immediate surroundings. Being informed is all about staying up to date with the current happenings in your environment. It involves staying abreast with trending security issues around you.
• Identify Weaknesses – Every individual should always note the weaknesses in their home and work hard to solve it. Weaknesses such as bad locks, a bad door or even a faulty bulb could be an incentive for opportunistic theft and thus attract burglars.
• Access Control – Restriction is another way to be security conscious. The more barriers people have to cross to get to you, the less likely they would. Residential security guards, having a guard dog, installation of CCTV, using technology, and as simple as locking every entry and exit points at home and at work. Access control is all about making it uneasy for anyone to get to you. The physical barriers you set up are meant to discourage the enemy because it lets them know you are alert.
• The safest home is one in a safe community. Be involved in your community – a strong community has a better chance of rejecting any negative criminal elements as well as supporting positive ones. Community programs like Neighborhood Watch encourage each member of a community to watch out for each other, and as a result, common crime in those neighborhoods is dramatically lower.

 

Few people really bother about security until something happens to them or a neighbor. The public’s complacent attitude is the burglar’s best friend and your worst enemy. There are many things the average person can do to make their home less of a target. Remember, the two things a burglar fears most are being seen and having to take too much time to complete the crime.

NB: There have been numerous home invasions in and around Harare. Keep doors locked as soon as it gets dark, this type of criminal wants you home and awake when they break in.

LP GAS & SMOKE DETECTORS WILL SAVE LIVES

Due to constant power cuts and as seen with recent events, fire risk in Zimbabwe has increased. With the decay in our social systems and corruption now being the order of the day, building regulations are not adhered to resulting in substandard electrical wiring, plumbing etc. All these factors rally in on the need for homeowners and corporates to seriously evaluate fire risk.
The consequences of a fire can be devastating. Other than the obvious loss of life and property, the loss of important company documents and information can deal a deadly blow.
Technology now plays a big role in our daily lives, more so protecting us from fire outbreaks as well. Adding smoke detectors to an existing alarm is a very cost effective and affordable solution for early fire detection for both domestic and commercial premises. Because using LP gas to prepare meals has become the order of the day in many households; fire due to gas leaks is a risk almost all us have to live with. Adding an LP gas detector to your existing alarm will go a long way in ensuring you are aware of any gas leakage in time to prevent an explosion. This will greatly reduce your level of fire risk especially in restaurants and fast food outlets were several gas stoves maybe working at the same time.

Negligence is the leading cause of fire outbreaks worldwide. Simply evaluating your risk and conscientising your family/workforce on those risks will go a long way in preventing unwanted fire outbreaks. Always remember “Safety Begins with YOU”; your family’s life, your business, your employee’s safety and client’s safety is in your hands.

Feel free to contact us for solutions to reduce your risk of fire outbreak; we are available to assist you 24/7.

STAY SAFE THIS WINTER

With the winter now in full swing, we all want to be warmly tucked in the comfort of our homes. We also want to be sure our families are safe when we sleep during these long nights. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the winter season to ensure your safety:
– First of all, use the door locks that you already have, home invasions usually take place when the whole family is glued to the TV.
– Make sure your alarm is working.
– Make it a nightly routine to check the locks. Involve the children, too.
– Don’t open the door and don’t let kids open the door to uninvited strangers.
– Stick around when people are working in your home. Notice what they’re doing. Check after they’ve left to ensure that nothing’s missing and that no one has left a window or door unlocked as a way to break in later.
– Have a family discussion to plan what you’ll do in case of a break-in or home invasion. Whoever can escape should. Although the first instinct of many men may be to stay and defend their family, it’s better to get reinforcements than to get hurt.
– Upgrade your house number. You want your home’s street number easily seen in the dark from across the street so reaction crews can find you pronto in an emergency. Keep plants around the number well-trimmed.
– Burglars know that older sliding doors can be lifted right out of their frames. If yours is the type that pops out, install sheet-metal screws into the upper door track, screwing them in only halfway. The protruding screw fills the gap between door and frame, keeping the door in place.
Your safety is our concern, always remember: Security starts with you. STAY SAFE!

Contact us: info@securico.co.zw | http://www.securico.co.zw

Home Alarms Systems… an affordable option to your safety.

We always want our families and assets to be safe. It is one of the most important things to us. With the state of our current economy, crime has become more prevalent in residential areas. To reinforce security at your home, one can consider installing a home alarm systems. Aside from the fact that it is affordable to have a home alarm system, it is also well worth the expense when we know the benefits it gives in keeping our family and assets safe.

Having a good home alarm system will lessen the chances of intruders breaking into the house. If you have a home alarm installed and someone attempts to break in, the alarm will instantly sound off forcing the intruders to run away without causing any harm to your family or stealing any valuables. Burglars prefer to work undetected so anything that confirms their presence is their worst enemy. In addition, a monitored alarm system which is backed by Rapid Response reinforces the security of your home. It is not enough for the alarm to just sound off. Soon the thieves will know that you have no back up and will attempt again. One trick that has been used is to keep on triggering the alarm in one night until you think that the alarm has developed a fault and you switch it off. This in hope that you will call the installer to fix it the next morning. Once you have done this, your home is 100% exposed and the thieves will instantly pounce on you.
Here are some of the benefits of installing a home alarm backed by Rapid Response:
1. Affordability
Home alarm system are the most affordable security options for your home. From as little as $195 one can have a SECURICO Burglar Alarm system installed. Rapid Reaction comes with additional costs which are paid quarterly. These however are very much affordable compared to the cost of your asserts and the invaluable costs of the wellbeing of your family.
NB* Home invasions are now a common occurrence, it is no longer advisable to investigate noises outside the house at night, this might be a ploy to get you to open up the home for dangerous criminals who have no care whatsoever for your wellbeing. Leave the investigating for trained professionals by subscribing for rapid response services.
2. 24/7/365 Security
So long as the alarm is armed and working properly, you can be assured of having all-round the clock security. An alarm never sleeps on the job and the moment it is disturbed, it instantly sends a signal to the Rapid Reaction Control Room which triggers a Rapid Response as illustrated in Fig 1.
3. Reduced Insurance Premiums
Many people are not aware of the fact that insurance companies quote lesser premium amounts for those homes that are laced with a home alarm system. Understandably, such homes are protected and carry bleak chances of getting raided or invaded. If the home alarm happens to carry the dual advantage of having an in-built fire alarm, then insurance companies would be too glad to insure your home at reduced rates up to 20 percent.
4. Peace of Mind
Home alarm systems give homeowners enough peace of mind to allow them to be comfortable in their own home. Having an armed security system in your home is like having a personal guard on duty while you sleep. When your alarm goes off; the company first calls the home to verify that a problem exists. If the alarm was set off accidentally, the company notes the event and takes no further action. If indeed there is a definite problem or there is no answer, trained Rapid Reaction teams are quickly dispatched to your premises to physically check for your safety and conduct a security check of your premises. All this, within a few minutes after the triggering of the alarm.
5. Signage signalling that your house protected
When a home alarm system is installed at your home, SECURICO always erects a gate sign subtly announcing that your home is now a no go area for thieves. This sign deters the criminals from even attempting to lay an evil eye on that home. Burglars will always weigh their options before breaking into your home always opting for an easier option.
Please also note:
It is important to use your system as directed by the installer to get the most value from it. Make sure that you timeously arm your system. An unarmed system does not give you any protection. If you seem to always forget to arm your system, you can always program your alarm to arm it’s self automatically at a certain time of the night and disarm in the morning, that way you know home is protected when need be all the time. Also remember that, like any equipment, Home Alarms systems need to be services to keep it working in good condition. Always liaise with your monitoring company to make sure that they are receiving signals from the alarm system once triggered. Good relations are always valued.
Always remember SECURITY BEGINS WITH YOU!! Please do not hesitate to call SECURICO for more information, we are here to help keep you, your family and your property safe.

Contact us: info@securico.co.zw | http://www.securico.co.zw

Home Alarms Systems… an affordable option to your safety

We always want our families and assets to be safe. It is one of the most important things to us. With the state of our current economy, crime has become more prevalent in residential areas. To reinforce security at your home, one can consider installing a home alarm systems. Aside from the fact that it is affordable to have a home alarm system, it is also well worth the expense when we know the benefits it gives in keeping our family and assets safe.

Having a good home alarm system will lessen the chances of intruders breaking into the house. If you have a home alarm installed and someone attempts to break in, the alarm will instantly sound off forcing the intruders to run away without causing any harm to your family or stealing any valuables. Burglars prefer to work undetected so anything that confirms their presence is their worst enemy. In addition, a monitored alarm system which is backed by Rapid Response reinforces the security of your home. It is not enough for the alarm to just sound off. Soon the thieves will know that you have no back up and will attempt again. One trick that has been used is to keep on triggering the alarm in one night until you think that the alarm has developed a fault and you switch it off. This in hope that you will call the installer to fix it the next morning. Once you have done this, your home is 100% exposed and the thieves will instantly pounce on you.
Here are some of the benefits of installing a home alarm backed by Rapid Response:
1. Affordability
Home alarm system are the most affordable security options for your home. From as little as $195 one can have a SECURICO Burglar Alarm system installed. Rapid Reaction comes with additional costs which are paid quarterly. These however are very much affordable compared to the cost of your asserts and the invaluable costs of the wellbeing of your family.
NB* Home invasions are now a common occurrence, it is no longer advisable to investigate noises outside the house at night, this might be a ploy to get you to open up the home for dangerous criminals who have no care whatsoever for your wellbeing. Leave the investigating for trained professionals by subscribing for rapid response services.
2. 24/7/365 Security
So long as the alarm is armed and working properly, you can be assured of having all-round the clock security. An alarm never sleeps on the job and the moment it is disturbed, it instantly sends a signal to the Rapid Reaction Control Room which triggers a Rapid Response as illustrated in Fig 1.
3. Reduced Insurance Premiums
Many people are not aware of the fact that insurance companies quote lesser premium amounts for those homes that are laced with a home alarm system. Understandably, such homes are protected and carry bleak chances of getting raided or invaded. If the home alarm happens to carry the dual advantage of having an in-built fire alarm, then insurance companies would be too glad to insure your home at reduced rates up to 20 percent.
4. Peace of Mind
Home alarm systems give homeowners enough peace of mind to allow them to be comfortable in their own home. Having an armed security system in your home is like having a personal guard on duty while you sleep. When your alarm goes off; the company first calls the home to verify that a problem exists. If the alarm was set off accidentally, the company notes the event and takes no further action. If indeed there is a definite problem or there is no answer, trained Rapid Reaction teams are quickly dispatched to your premises to physically check for your safety and conduct a security check of your premises. All this, within a few minutes after the triggering of the alarm.
5. Signage signalling that your house protected
When a home alarm system is installed at your home, SECURICO always erects a gate sign subtly announcing that your home is now a no go area for thieves. This sign deters the criminals from even attempting to lay an evil eye on that home. Burglars will always weigh their options before breaking into your home always opting for an easier option.
Please also note:
It is important to use your system as directed by the installer to get the most value from it. Make sure that you timeously arm your system. An unarmed system does not give you any protection. If you seem to always forget to arm your system, you can always program your alarm to arm it’s self automatically at a certain time of the night and disarm in the morning, that way you know home is protected when need be all the time. Also remember that, like any equipment, Home Alarms systems need to be services to keep it working in good condition. Always liaise with your monitoring company to make sure that they are receiving signals from the alarm system once triggered. Good relations are always valued.
Always remember SECURITY BEGINS WITH YOU!! Please do not hesitate to call SECURICO for more information, we are here to help keep you, your family and your property safe.

HOME SECURITY

Few people really bother about security until something happens to them or a neighbor. Little do people know know that the public’s complacent attitude is the burglar’s best friend and your worst enemy. There are many things the average person can do to make their home less of a target. The tips below will get you started on the right road.

Considering the amount of time we spend in our homes, there is no doubt to why we should spend so much time worrying about the safety and security within our homes.

 An easy way to make your home feel safe is to lock your doors and close your windows. Always ensure that all you take time every week or fortnight to make sure all your external doors and windows are intact and cannot be easily forced open. If someone is scouting your home, they will see that you always use keys to enter, which is a good deterrent for burglars.

 Invest in an external motion sensor system to trigger a main external light to light up your front step, which is an easy to afford option – lights scare prowlers off and they are also a sign to show that you are security conscious.

 Investing in a basic home security system is worthwhile – if any exterior windows are doors are opened while the system is active, sirens will sound. Having your alarm monitored by an alarm monitoring company ensures you will have adequate help whenever it is needed. NB* Rapid response services are very affordable prior to contrary belief.

 Consider investing in a fire-proof and water-proof safe if you have a higher end need for safety and valuable assets to protect. If you want to keep any irreplaceable documents, they need to be kept in a waterproof environment. Your safe should be bolted down to the floor; a burglar might not have enough time to break into the safe but he will carry it with him to open it later.

 Learn about your neighborhood, and if your home is in a neighborhood with a higher rate of crime, consider installing burglar bars on windows. They are a visible sign of physical security. They say “Knowledge is power” knowing about the type of crimes that take place in your neighborhood better positions you to protect your family and valuables.

 Keep your curtains closed – they make it harder to see in if someone is trying to figure out if you have anything worth stealing. By being private about what you have in your house you reduce your risk of having a break inn; burglars will never break in if they are not certain that they will find something worth their while to steal.

 The safest home is one in a safe community. Be involved in your community – a strong community has a better chance of rejecting any negative criminal elements as well as supporting positive ones. Community programs like Neighborhood Watch encourage each member of a community to watch out for each other, and as a result, common crime in those neighborhoods is dramatically lower. Community programs help communities know each other making it easier to recognize those that do not belong.

 Be Proactive – Planning ahead is how you stay ahead of the enemy. Before they strike, tighten your security. At home, get the necessary security in place. Feel free to contact us for a threat assessment of your residence.

 Never Give Out Information Carelessly – This seems rather normal for most Zimbabweans, secret memos and data leak out of our lips either willingly, in pubs or even in an atmosphere of hysteria. Always ensure cogent information about you or members of your family are shared amongst those trustworthy. Never give vital information to persons unfamiliar to you.

Remember, the two things a burglar fears most are being seen and having to take too much time to complete the crime. Your security is in your hands and just as charity begins at home, Security begins with You!!

NB: when implementing community neighborhood watch programs, call on us – we can sit in and give you professional advice for no charge.

For more info: http://www.securico.co.zw | info@securico.co.zw

SECURITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

In today’s world, change and uncertainty are constants. The application of technology is now an integral part of security solutions.
Many organisations are now faced with many different types of risk.

Modern multiple risk profiles of companies now demand a coordinated, systematic and integrated approach to enable companies to increase their ability to achieve their goals.

Security equipment such as CCTV cameras, recorders, access control, perimeter fencing and intruder alarms can be integrated. While it was expensive and difficult in the past for these varied systems to talk to each other, the technology has now become an inexpensive “plug and play” solution – the in built technology manages all aspects of integration.

With these systems though, it is imparative that they be installed correctly to ensure that they can serve the purpose they were installed for. For example a CCTV system installed in a way that leaves a lot of blind spots is a wasted investment in that it cannot fully carryout its purpose. When installing security systems please use seasoned proffesionals in the security industry with contactable references.

Call in a professional to carryout a security survey for you and give reccomendations (you can contact us for these). This ensures that you have value for your investment. Different security systems serve different purposes in different environments, hence the wrong or cheapest system might be of no value to your particular security needs.

Corporates and home owners need to know that its not just having a security system that will reduce security risk but its having the right security system. The wrong security system will as a matter of fact increase risk due to giving you a false sense of security.

Take into mind your security needs before installing security systems and always get professional advice in order for you to make a solid investment.
Always remember “SECURITY BEGINS WITH YOU”.
NB: SECURICO will conduct a security survey for you at no cost.

Contact us: info@securico.co.zw | http://www.securico.co.zw

Divine Ndhlukula recognised at Africa’s Titans and Most Influential Women Gala in Johannesburg

CEO Communications recognises Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Titans – Building Nations
30 October 2014. Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg was the perfect venue for the powerhouse of top-tier executives who attended. Everyone gathered for the Gala Dinner, Continental event, celebrating Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Titans – Building Nations, hosted by CEO Communications.
The Gala Dinner was one to remember as the African roadshow was ended off by recognising the Continental Winners in each economic sector. The event was attended by most finalists from across the continent. Regional Winners were recognised at regional events in South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Ghana and Cameroon. The Gala Dinner aimed to give these individuals a chance to be recognised alongside their continental counterparts. With over 600 attendees this was truly the opportune time for Africa to Unite. Hosted by Derek Watts and Entertainment by Yvonne Chaka Chaka added much to an already star-studded event!

CEO Communications partnered with SAMSA, Air Mauritius, Aramex, Mabatho Events, Aston Martin and CEOS Technologies for a truly memorable event. Different business sectors were recognised and only to mention a few of the winners:
• Business and Professional Winner: Divine Ndhlukula & Alon Raiz,
• Agencies and Regulatory Winner: Khoudijah Maudarbocus-Boodoo,
• Agriculture Winner: Josephine Okot,
• Arts and Culture Winner: Mumbi Kaigwa,
• Aviation Winner: Kate Odendaal,
• Building and Construction Winner: Amina Hersi Moghe,

And a lot of other sectors with winners from across the African Continent.

We are proud as TEAM SECURICO to have such an astounding and inspiring award winning leader. This comes barely two weeks after Divine won 1st Runner Up UNCTAD women in business award in Geneva.

TEAM SECURICO