external controls and perimeter fencing that
within estates are undertaken by teenagers and
of good security”, but rather, “what is the cost
safeguards the estate. If it is situated outside the
young adults who live on the estate. Resident
of poor security.” Ultimately, estates need to
estate, it is easier for criminals to overpower the
delinquent youths may not have criminal minds,
offer their residents more than just a perceived
gatehouse security guard and gain unrestricted
but are often inclined towards criminal acts,
level of security, but one which can effectively
access to the estate.
motivated by alcohol or peer pressure. They
deter and/or respond to a real criminal threat.
may be tempted to take risks when they see
Four layers
open windows, for example, and then use such
Although good security comes at a cost, it is
Just as with residential security, it is very important
opportunities to carry out minor crimes such as
a non-negotiable in keeping residents safe and
for estate security to be layered. We like to see
petty theft.
preserving brand reputation – which ultimately
four concentric rings or layers at estates:
translates into increased property values and
1)The fence line with detection technology and
Estate residents are therefore encouraged to
an advantage in an increasingly competitive
cameras
have their own alarm systems installed in their
market.
2)Perimeter fence patrol guards
homes. Although these usually have to be silent
3)Patrol guards within the estate
alarms and are often linked to the estate’s on-
4)The individual residents’ house alarms
site security as opposed to external companies,
About the authors:
they are a necessity. Such systems should also
Individual residents’ responsibilities
Glenn
include panic buttons.
technologies division of Enforce. Glenn has
A common mistake made by those who
Allen
heads up the security
been focused on designing and implementing
live within estates is believing that they are
Strong security partnerships
fully
completely protected against crime. They
It is integral that good working relationships
residential estates for the past 10 years. This
are lulled into a false sense of security, often
between estate managers or management
comprises the oversight of numerous onsite
overlooking simple security measures such as
committees and their security service providers
control rooms which monitor in excess of 600
locking doors and keeping windows closed.
are
CCTV cameras.
Even though they live in estates, residents need
operational meetings, there should be regular
to still be responsible for their own security
engagements to review how new technological
Derek Lategan MD of Enforce’s Guarding
and appreciate that estates are not immune to
innovations,
and
division, Derek Lategan boasts over 25 years’
crime, and break-ins and robberies do occur.
other industry advancements could benefit the
experience in the private security industry.
estate and its residents. For optimal efficiency
Derek and his team of estate- trained specialists
Although living in a secure environment, estate
it is also crucial that the various security
undertake the security management of dozens
residents still live within a society that has a high
interventions (physical, manned and electronic)
of residential estates, including the prestigious
level of crime, and as such they need to adapt
be integrated into one fully inclusive service.
Mount Edgecombe and Zimbali estates.
established.
In
addition
manpower
to
routine
modifications
integrated
technology
solutions
for
their lifestyles to this and still need to exercise
a degree of control over their own security.
Conclusion
Not all estate crime is the work of hardened
In the residential estate environment the
criminals. A large percentage of break-ins
question that begs asking is not “what is the cost
www.enforce.co.za