Atlas Security’s Sales Manager, Bernadette Naude, has been conducting talks to various audiences around Port Elizabeth entitled ‘Safety First’ in the recent months.
The focus has been predominantly on estate agents, focussing on their safety as they go about selling homes and assisting the public with buying and selling their properties in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Much of the advice given by Naude, can be applied when you are looking to purchase a property.
Naude recommends that one should always be aware of your surroundings, especially when pulling up at a potential property – whether on the verge, or driveway – of suspicious characters lurking nearby.
Also, if selling your home, Naude says, ‘you should always keep your valuables out of site if you are showing your home – preferably in a safe. Create an inventory with your agent before they show the house, particularly for show houses, to safeguard yourself against theft. Remember there will be a lot of foot traffic through your home, and it is difficult to tell if people have lifted items until they are long gone.’
She adds, ‘if you are viewing a property yourself, make sure that you are familiar with the agent through conducting some simple desk research beforehand. Make sure they also know who you are and be as open as possible with them about your identity, so that they will recognise you straight away. This safeguards both agent and buyer from would-be imposters.’
As with any public place, Atlas always advises to be aware of remote jamming when you park your vehicle. According to Naude, the only way to really be secure in this regard, is to physically check that the doors are locked. Remote jamming can also apply to motorised gates.
Above all Naude says ‘it is important to trust your sixth sense. If something or someone doesn’t feel right, make your exit and protect yourself and your family from potential criminals.’
Atlas Security
The Atlas Group was established in Port Elizabeth in 1923. The primary scope of the family business then and for the next 70 years was commercial and domestic laundry, dry-cleaning and textile dying.
Addy Schewitz conceived Atlas Security Systems in 1985. The pioneering concept was the introduction of wire free security systems and portable panic buttons. The acquisition of Sharp Security with a client base of 45 link-ups in 1990 introduced Atlas to 24-hour Control Room monitoring and reaction. In 1993, Mike Burmeister was invited to join the company to control the operational activities, including, technical installations and repairs, control room monitoring and reaction.
Today’s monitoring Control Centre is recognized as the nerve-centre of the entire electronic security network. The South African Intruder Detection Services Association or SAIDSA, established standards and guidelines for the physical structure, equipment and operational methods of these centre’s in accordance with the requirements of both the security and insurance industries. 1994 saw the construction of Atlas’ SAIDSA approved Control Centre.
Atlas’ progressive management teams are all involved with the day-to-day functioning of the business. This ‘hands on’ approach has seen the company grow from strength to strength over the last 25 years
