Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March/April 2019 | Page 34

ACQUIRING
Residential estates
Just how secure are they?
I
nhabitants of residential estates often cite security as their
prime reason for living in a development of this nature.
The reality, however, is that while estates may seem a refuge
from the criminal threat lurking in the suburbs, crime may be
rife here, too.
  Derek Lategan, MD of Excellerate Services notes that
crimes such as motor vehicle theft, breaking and entering
and armed robbery are the most commonly reported amongst
residents at estates. But how do criminals gain access to
properties which are sought out precisely because they are
purported to be safe?
‘There are, in fact, several avenues for determined criminals,’
Lategan says. ‘For instance, some estates have flawed vetting
procedures in place, making it easy for members of crime
syndicates posing as rental guests to enter the estate. Similarly,
systems for managing visitors and contractors may also be
flawed.’ Often, physical barriers to the estate, like perimeter
fence lines, have weaknesses or are inadequate, so that criminals
who infiltrate through these barriers are hard to detect. Finally,
security staff are, occasionally, negligent. ‘It’s essential that
security staff are properly trained to detect criminal entry and
follow the correct standard operating procedures while on
duty,’ Lategan says.
  He adds that, while many residential estates list security
as one of their chief attractions, the reality is that the level of
security depends on a mix of factors, starting with physical
security measures like access control, perimeter fencing, CCTV
and contractor management. Even if outstanding systems
are in place, they may be undermined if the quality of the
personnel manning and utilising these systems is questionable.
And, even when a first-class security force is in place, they
may not be able to withstand internal factors, like organised
crime syndicates and short-term letting procedures that create
opportunities for criminals to operate within the estate. ‘Most
often, it’s estates that are still in the development phase that
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MARCH/APRIL 2019 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
are most at risk because there are more contractors on site,
either conducting criminal activity themselves or providing
information to syndicates which exploit the opportunities
they’ve helped to identify.’
It’s therefore imperative that residential estates address all
potential weak links that might provide an ‘in’ for criminals.
One of the most effective ways of doing this, Lategan explains,
is by instituting regular operational and electronic audits to
ensure that the correct procedures are followed, and that all
electronic security equipment is in sound working order. It’s
also a good idea to conduct a risk audit, which will help identify
risk factors that can then be mitigated by implementing the
appropriate security measures.
  Homeowners also have a role to play: ‘Community
WhatsApp groups allow estate residents to remain connected.
They’re a powerful tool against criminal activity, bringing it to
the attention of the authorities expediently.’ 
  Body corporates, meanwhile, should ensure that the
security company contracted to the estate is held accountable,
and provides the very best security equipment and personnel
so that the security function operates optimally.
‘It’s important to remember that no residential estate is
perfect from a security perspective. Residents still bear a
responsibility; it’s vital that they guard against complacency.
Living in an estate with a perimeter fence doesn’t negate the
need to lock your door and set your alarm at night. The old
saying, ‘see something, say something’ must be promoted, so
that any security risks can be swiftly identified. Residents
must work with security teams to criminal activity out of the
estate, and developers need to remember that even the best
security technology cannot ensure safety if the estate is poorly
managed,” Lategan concludes.

For more information visit www.excellerate.co.za