The Hidden Risks Behind “Routine” Visits

Estate Security: The Hidden Risks Behind “Routine” Visits

Most people live in gated communities, complex and estates for safety. The promises of estate security are what make the facilities and amenities all the more appealing. The freedom to walk to the clubhouse and have Johnny joyfully playing with the neighbour kids. In recent years, however, these residences have become targets and are thus susceptible to crime. Reports of security breaches and hijackings at the gate remain too high. We at ATG Digital believe we have identified the culprits. Find out which everyday habits are compromising your estate security and how you can counteract them, here.

Common Hidden Risks That Compromise Estate Security

Relinquishing Responsibility

Security in a housing complex or lifestyle estate is everyone’s responsibility. While technology, physical barriers and security guards do most of the heavy lifting, your estate’s security will only ever be as strong as its weakest link. Residents can help reduce hidden risks by adopting a mindset of participating in everybody’s collective safety rather than viewing it as somebody else’s problem. An alarming number of breaches are categorised as “inside jobs”, which stem from:

• Current or ex-employees, such as domestic workers or gardeners.

• Syndicates, which rent within the estate to case houses and residents’ movements long enough to plan the perfect ‘clean sweep’.

  
  

To combat such, thorough vetting with criminal background checks of employees and tenants is advisable. Ex-employees must return remote controls or access cards, and PIN numbers will be deactivated upon termination. Residents should inform the managing agents and/or security team of these changes. Residents should also be aware of what’s happening around them. Develop some rapport with neighbours. Report if curtains/blinds are permanently drawn or if there is other suspicious behaviour from a house/unit.

Approximately 71% of vehicle hijackings in South Africa occur in driveways [Crime SA]

Verification Vigilance

After security, convenience is the next drawcard to estate living. World-class amenities are within easy reach. If not, you can simply have what you need delivered. From groceries and medicine by bike to trucks carrying furniture, security guards handle a great deal of delivery traffic at the gate. It’s easy to become complacent when bikes whizz in and out every hour. Likewise, drivers in a hurry, and residents who think they are above the rules, place tremendous pressure on guards to break procedure. Whatever the scenario, every vehicle and driver must be properly verified!

Let’s not limit this to deliveries; “routine” visits are just as risky. Maybe number 7 has that one friend who keeps popping in unannounced, or the Joneses regularly send someone to drop off things from the office every day. That familiar wave and the “It’s just me” smile shouldn’t suffice for access. Finally, contractors can sometimes be the cause of increased crime in a complex. Residential Complex Security Systems, like ATG Digital’s, can enhance estate security in these situations with biometric access control. Vetted and pre-authorised contract workers can only access the premises through facial recognition.

The protocols exist for sound reasons. 

• Register verified visitors on the access control system

• Take the time to generate authorisation codes. 

• For unexpected guests, ATG Digital’s visitor management system has a useful real-time approval feature.

• If you have unique needs, consult with your security manager to develop a system that aligns with their security plan. 

Letting Defences Down in the Driveway

Approximately 71% of vehicle hijackings in South Africa occur in driveways [Crime SA]. Findings by the National Hijacking Prevention Academy (NHPA) indicate that hijackers tend to target areas where vehicles are stationary or moving slowly. Complexes and estates are easy targets because vehicles may wait in a queue while drivers ahead of them pause to locate their tag, access card or remote. 

For this reason, automated booms triggered by License Plate Recognition (LPR) is a must. It ensures a swift flow of residents’ vehicles through the gates. This, in turn, allows guards to monitor and verify visitors, particularly important during rush hours. It is said that hijackers often follow home vehicles from shopping malls, where they look for targets wearing high-value clothing and jewellery. So, security starts long before you arrive home. Stay vigilant and don’t let your guard down until you’re safely inside.

Smart Access and Visitor Management Solutions

Safety and convenience, those might be reasons you’ve chosen where to live, and they’re also reasons to choose ATG Digital for your estate security. Our systems are designed with all users in mind: security teams AND the people they protect. Lightning-fast drivers’ and car license verification, automated LPR booms, facial recognition and real-time visitor approval are just a few features of our access control & visitor management solutions. 

See enhanced estate security in action. Book a Demo

For all Access Control related information, contact ATG Digital by calling 010 500 8611, Whatsapp 072 055 1187, email sales@atthegate.biz or go to http://www.atgdigital.biz