Level 4 Lockdown: New Way of Life Security Risks to Consider

Posted by

May 11, 2020

On May 11, 2020

The new lockdown regulations have brought about some uncertainty regarding what you can and can’t do. The anxiety that comes with being on the road when it’s dark or passing a roadblock when going to work is daunting, even if you do have a permit. And, that’s not all that we are worried about…
BusinessTech summarised the key restrictions for Level 4 as follows:
• A curfew will be in effect from 20h00 to 05h00 each day
• Wearing of cloth face masks will be mandatory when leaving your place of residence
• Essential goods will continue to be sold, joined by hardware supplies, winter clothing and heating, and other industry-related items
• Certain industries will only be able to open at half capacity
• E-hailing services are able to operate, while public transport is also limited
• No concerts, cinemas or public gatherings will be allowed
• No alcohol or cigarettes will be sold
• Exercise will be limited, with public gyms remaining closed
• Food delivery will be available, subject to the curfew
However, each level of lockdown brings its own set of challenges. The Institute for Security Studies(ISS) stated that “Restricting public movement and alcohol consumption could reduce certain types of crime and violence, but increase others.”
So, here are a few of the security risks that we have identified with the new Level 4 restrictions, and, a breakdown of each lockdown stage from the Government’s Risk-Adjusted Strategy for Economic Activity, so you can plan for future upgrades or downgrades.

Level 4 Security Risks For Your Home

Sometimes being at home for an extended period of time lulls us into a false sense of security. And, with some of the reports that have come in to the Blue Security Control Centre, we know that residents still need to be aware and take precautions wherever possible.

While Exercising – When out on the road, be aware that criminals know that you can only exercise between 6am and 9am. Ensure that you have locked your house and armed your alarm and beams so that your home is not easily accessible – even if you are only going out for a short while. Also, try not to carry valuables on you, when out for a run, walk or ride.
Lock Up – Fresh air is great, but make sure that you keep all security gates locked while you are at home, at the very least. Opportunistic criminals look for open doors or windows as they are an obvious target. And, don’t forget to keep your car doors, outer building entrances, and front gates locked at all times.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down– Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Many residents are under the impression that people at home are a deterrent to criminals, but this is not always the case.
Home Testing – Make sure that anyone coming around to do home testing has proper identification.
Curfews – Just because you are adhering to an 8pm curfew, does not mean that criminals are playing by the same rules. So, be extra vigilant between 8pm and 6am, each night.

Level 4 Security Risks For Your Businesses

Business owners are facing all sorts of challenges with the new regulations – even though Level 4 has relieved some of the pressure on specific industries. There are many new aspects of security that need to be considered based on the limitations placed on businesses. With an influx in commercial crime over the last 2 months, here are some elements of security to consider.

Reduced Workforce – If you have a small percentage of staff that is allowed to be back at your office, factory or workshop, then you need to make sure that they adhere to the following:
- Any empty rooms or sections of the premises should remain locked
- Don’t open windows that do not have burglar guards
- Keep the front gate locked, if possible
- Ensure that staff members are aware of alarm and distress codes
Reinforce Your Security Measures – Sometimes, the most simple security solutions are the most effective. Beams and passives have proved to be two of those effective options.
- Ceiling Passives – We have witnessed that ceilings have become a popular point of entry, for criminals, since lockdown was implemented. Installing these in your ceiling will reduce the areas, in and around your property, where criminals can enter undetected.
- Outdoor Beams – Installing beams at the quieter areas around your work premises, such as back entrances or side alleys will help you detect unusual activity in the area. And, if you already have beams installed, make sure that they are armed at all relevant times.
Masks – Having all staff members cover their faces is helpful with regard to health but maybe an issue with regard to security. Anyone could enter your property and no one would know any better. So, you may want to consider an alternative type of identification before staff enter the building – biometric access, tag access, or identification cards could work to avoid any criminals making their way onto your work premises undetected.