Residential and golf estates have become a sought-after lifestyle, not least of all for the security they afford.
The two most important aspects of security at a residential and/or golf estate are that it enhances property values and, more importantly, it offers residents a lifestyle environment that they cannot normally get elsewhere. This is the view of Brian Sharkey, managing director of SMC, a company that creates security solutions for residential and golf estates.
"What these residents can expect is safe streets that children can play in, the announcement of access by visitors so they know to expect them as they enter the estate, immediate response to any emergency-related issues - be that of a security or a medical nature, and that the estates are patrolled," Sharkey explains.
"Security provides an all-encompassing service to those residents within that estate. It creates a certain lifestyle, whereby security enhances the property values and these are the single most important factors."
What often can be seen in such estates, is that when they were built, say nine or 10 years ago, despite the basic concept of security being much the same as it is today, the infrastructure that was put into place, particularly with regard to the perimeter, which was more often than not either pre-cast walling or palisade fencing on its own, clearly cannot cope in terms of today's environment and the threats posed by crime. This has led to a number of estates constantly upgrading their security function. Dainfern, for example, went through an extensive security upgrade two years ago during which the perimeter security and access controls were enhanced. The guarding component then had to be enhanced to match the upgraded components.
Kyalami Estates also had a pre-cast wall around it, when it was initially developed similar to that at Dainfern. This was demolished during an upgrade and replaced by a much higher, solid brick wall with electric fencing on top. Fourways Gardens is currently upgrading its access control system.
When problems occur, the Homeowners Association usually employs a security consultant who conducts a site survey and risk analysis. Once completed and having identified problematic areas the consultant may recommend site-specific security procedures to be put in place. Upgrades if required, are then the decision of the Homeowners Association. These needs may differ from development to development, but the principles remain the same.
Once the suitable perimeter security has been decided upon, access control is the next step to be faced in the solution. This not only prevents unwanted elements from entering the estate, but also ensures that control is exercised on access and egress. Estates are vulnerable during the construction phase.
"In the early days at Dainfern, we were dealing with up to 5000 contractors on site each day," says Sharkey. "We have to make sure that those contractors and labourers are all registered and have approved access.
"We then have their photographs as well as video footage of all access and egress.
The estate then has the facility to determine that all contract labourers have left the estate at the predetermined time."
There are various forms of physical access control in use, ranging from signing in to smartcards to biometric solutions.
Emergency reaction vehicles on-site keep the reaction time down to a minimum. This function is outsourced to security service providers.
Most homes are equipped with panic buttons and alarms that are linked to a central control room on an estate. In the event of an alarm being activated, staff in the control room can dispatch an appropriate team/response vehicle. Should the situation require assistance from external support services, the on-site staff members are trained to take the necessary action until such time as the external support arrives.
Sharkey believes that the trend of developers, when it comes to security and the infrastructures at these estates, have changed dramatically. "In the past, developers did not really understand the implications and the role and importance of security at an estate, and SMC is involved with many developers at the early stages of planning for the security infrastructure. In the old days it was a case of a gatehouse, two lanes in and two lanes out, and a fence around the complex. Today, developers, particularly in terms of enhanced property values, are approaching specialists in the security field, who understand the importance of security as well as what is required for security to be effective. This includes the perimeter protection, access control, communication between security personnel and residents, CCTV systems and everything in terms of technology. It is important in the development of a new estate, that the infrastructure is designed in such a manner that the risk component decreases and that improvements and additions can be made easily."
Components of estate security
Perimeter security. Palisade fencing, electric fencing, brick walls, microphonic cables and anti-dig devices. The aesthetics of the chosen solution is also important.
Access control. Combination of manpower and technology to provide access/egress control, for owners, tenants, visitors, golfers, staff, contractors etc.
Surveillance/CCTV. Located at points of access and on the perimeter of the estate.
Patrol vehicles. Based inside the estate to provide immediate response in the event of breach of security, medical emergencies and fire.
Brian Sharkey is the managing director of SMC - Security Management Consultants, which provides security solutions for Dainfern Golf and Residential Estate, Dainfern Valley Residential Estate, Pecanwood Estate, Fancourt Hotel and Country Club and Kyalami Estates, Brian can be contacted at 011 795 2693 or e-mail: brian@smc.co.za. Website www.smc.co.za
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