Safeguard Security has been providing security services for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, it has grown from a small family business to become the leading security company in Zimbabwe.
Its growth can be attributed to its professionalism, client-centred approach, and continual adoption of modern technology to provide effective and innovative security solutions that meet the needs of offices, factories, embassies, banks, and residential premises in today’s ever-changing world.
It has an ethos of continual research and development to keep up with the latest security technology and apply best practices in order to continue to offer the best security solutions to the local market. This ethos has been recognised in the various awards it has won.
Among the security solutions it offers are security guards, guard dogs, alarms, rapid response, security cameras, CCTV monitoring, fogging devices, outdoor alarm systems, cash-in-transit, Xpanda security gates to give added protection to doors, electric fences, automatic gates, razor wire and other physical security barriers, pre-employment checks and private investigations.
One of its most effective and up-to-date alarm systems is Ajax, a wireless security system that can be operated from a mobile phone. It is easy to install. Cameras can be added. So too can fire, smoke and flood alarm switches and automation to link to a range of devices, including lights, pumps, valves, and motors, all on the one security control platform.
A variety of devices can be added to the core system at any time. Where cameras have been included it is possible to check and see what is happening at home or the office at any time using the system’s mobile phone app.
Statistics show that alarms are most effective in reducing loss when connected to a response service. With its dedicated full-time response vehicles and the assistance of GPS-mapped sites, Safeguard’s rapid response team is normally able to reach the premises where the alarm has gone off within minutes.
An increasing number of clients have had CCTV cameras installed at their premises. With the rise in crime, it is essential that customers make use of their investment and connect these cameras to the response centre for a more effective verified response, Mr. Reason Chitiva, the managing director of Safeguard Alarms, pointed out.
Security cameras linked to the alarm system covering the outside of industrial and other large premises patrolled by a number of security guards can enhance the security provided by these guards when deployed strategically to provide maximum cover, he said.
“Where there is need for additional security, we encourage customers to think of integrating cameras into their overall plan.
“In line with its use of the latest technology, Safeguard recently introduced artificial intelligence into its CCTV monitoring capabilities, increasing the accuracy of security camera alerts and visually pinpointing security risks as they occur, while ignoring movement by animals and vehicles that pose no risk. This is an enhancement of the video alarm system that we introduced several years ago.
“Outdoor cameras integrated with the alarm system provide home occupants with early warning of intruders before they reach the house and enhance information received by the response unit and hence the response itself,” he said.
Safeguard has an app that its rapid response clients can download onto their smartphone. The app allows one to cancel false alarms and test one’s alarm system regularly without the need for technical staff on-site, saving money and enabling one to have confidence in the alarm.
The app includes a panic button that can be used in a security emergency anywhere within the country, provided there is an internet connection. It also includes panic buttons for a medical emergency and to seek roadside assistance.
Coming up with solutions like this to safeguard its clients not only in their homes but also when they are away from home and to assist them in a medical emergency or in the event of a fire within their premises or even in the event of a roadside breakdown is an example of how Safeguard goes that extra mile to meet the needs of its clients.
In addition to its undercover and tracing operations, its private investigation arm conducts truth verification tests not only to assist it in investigations into fraud or theft within a business client’s premises but as part of pre-employment screening, especially where the job requires particular honesty.
Modern technology has been applied by Safeguard even to its guarding services. Safeguard guards are well-trained and well-supervised.
Among the various security devices Safeguard is able to supply is a fogging device, which can be used to protect safes and valuables. The device can be linked to an alarm system. When triggered it releases a dense fog that makes it impossible to see anything, leaving robbers with little alternative but to flee the scene. The UR Fog system is one of the best ways to outwit robbers, Mr Chitiva said.
“Fogging systems are one of the most effective methods of protecting your safe and valuables. The system can be installed in the room where your safe or valuables are. It can be linked to any alarm system. When triggered it releases a dense fog that prevents anyone in the room from seeing anything.
“This stops the robber or burglar in his tracks. You can’t steal what you cannot see. There is little alternative but for the robbers to flee the scene, if they can find their way out of the room, which they may struggle to do because of the dense fog,” he said.
There are so many security solutions Safeguard is able to provide. A combination of physical barriers, such as burglar bars, security walls, Xpanda security screens, razor wire or an electric fence, and alarm systems and cameras linked to Safeguard’s rapid response centre can be very effective.
Safeguard personnel are happy to offer advice on the most appropriate security solutions for individual homes and businesses, with packages to suit all sectors and householders, Mr Chitiva said.