What I like to call ‘Silly Season’ is just around the corner – a time when people spend money they don’t necessarily have, on things they could do without. People are already struggling from the financial strain of the current state of the world, and silly season just puts more pressure on our expectations, as well as our back pockets.
Where do these pandemics leave us? The truth is, no one knows. We have been through ups and downs over the past months, dealing with different levels of lockdown over and over again. We have nothing concrete to base our decisions on for the future, no way of knowing exactly what will happen or what the next lockdown level will be.
With silly season around the corner, we are now even more susceptible to more financial strain.
One thing is for sure, life-as-we-know-it has changed, and it won’t ever be the same again.
However, now is not the time to lose hope. Our lives, and the futures of our children are at stake, and we need to be prepared for what is to come, no matter what the future has in store.
THE THREAT WE NOW FACE
There is, however, one more dark fact to be acknowledged, a fact that needs to be seen and recognized, in order for us to prepare better. The fact is this – South Africa is currently facing a brutal reality, and desperate times call for desperate measures.
Millions of South Africans are still unemployed, and with no income and hungry mouths to feed, desperate Mothers and Fathers will do whatever it takes to make ends meet. Unfortunately, with this impossible task looming over so many people, crime is often their last resort.
The festive season is also a time where people make rash decisions. Mothers and fathers start imagining the smile on their child’s face if only they could afford a Christmas gift; boys and girls are imagining their dream golf set or their favourite ballerina dress, and longing also leads to desperation, and in turn, heightened crime.
Yearly, we see a general rise in crime statistics toward the end of the year, and this is mostly attributed to this exact reason.
While some may steal just enough to get by, a little food here and there for their families, many others resort to much more serious crimes. Armed attacks, house robberies and large scale business looting has become much more common. These people, in their desperation, literally have nothing to lose, and have resorted to drastic measures to ensure their survival.
There has also been a noted increase in the amount of theft from staff, whether they are wanting more money for holiday or perhaps a bigger budget for gifts, the theft is becoming very problematic.
The big question is, with crime now so prevalent in all parts of our wounded country and silly season on our doorstep, do you have the vital measures in place to ensure that you don’t become a target?
We can’t afford for the criminals to strike before we have taken the time to assess the efficiency of the security measures we have in place.
HOW CAN WE PREPARE BETTER?
Silly season is a great time to improve your security, in anticipation for the rise in crime that is sure to come. Let us foresee the danger, foresee the silly season rise in crime, and prepare for the waves of crime and attacks that target our homes and businesses.
The impact on security companies is tremendous. They are already overworked and spread thin. The truth is, we are becoming much more reliant on CCTV than ever before.
We need to focus on deterrence and detection first, as well as for efficient response.
Companies using CCTV need to up their game. That’s why our company provides live off-site monitoring, with dedicated teams watching around the clock for danger, and ensuring your safety. This service has become a popular favourite, and we already service major retailers across SA.
To aid with monitoring staff theft, we find that our covert camera solutions easily identify employees who steal from the back door, from stock rooms, and other hidden areas.
Don’t fall victim to silly season, make a smart decision. Contact the industry experts who have foresight on where the crime is headed, and to get the advice you need on how to secure your business.
Stay safe,
Quintin Marais
Director | Plug & Play Solutions
