Bilkiss Jaffaralli
27 February 2008
Port Louis — The number of break-ins reported and growing insecurity is prompting more people to invest in security systems. The market is expanding for both individuals and companies with all the latest technologies.
The "security industry" has a bright future in Mauritius. The growing insecurity over the past months in the country has given way to fear and apprehension in the minds of Mauritians. This collective fear and the need to be constantly under protection from all possible attacks, is really making the fortune of the security industry. Security companies are popping up like mushrooms these days. Besides several small companies operating in Mauritius, some international security companies have been investing lately in Mauritius.
The latest company that has joined the Mauritian market is Group 4 Securicor (G4S). The company provides a "Total Support Services Solutions", which comprises security services, alarm systems, access control, CCTV as well as cleaning services. "G4S aims at positioning itself as the leading provider of security solutions in Mauritius. We have everything to achieve that objective, the know-how, well-trained staff, and, none the least, the logistical back-up", says Sunil Saxena, the CEO of G4S.
Brinks is another of those international companies, which have established in Mauritius. Its services range from security, closed-circuit television (CCTV), electronic surveillance, intervention patrols, etc. Brinks caters for banks, organizations, hotels, commercial centers as well as for individuals.
Brinks provides also "human surveillance" services. Through constant monitoring from their control tower, security agents have all the information on the protected sites. Alarms, monitoring video, control access of protected sites and even preventive patrols are done to ensure the security of those sites. The vehicles are constantly patrolling around the sites. In case of emergency, the vehicle nearest to the spot is called to intervene.
Rapid interventions through alert system
Cash management is another core activity of Brinks. This service ensures that the transfer of clients' funds takes place in all security. This service also ensures the transport of jewelry, precious stones and important papers. Brinks is equipped with armoured vehicles and armed security guards. Brinks provides a complete service to bank ATMs. They prepare the tickets and funds meant for ATMs, do the financial management as well as the maintenance. In case of emergency, Brinks makes rapid interventions through an information alert system.
Airport security is another service offered by Brinks. It takes charge of the control of documents and registration of passengers, luggage and restricted areas, undertakes security patrols, verification and visit of chartered aircraft and patrols along the runway.
"As in any other country, criminality and delinquency are on the rise in Mauritius. With our expertise, we will continue to make our clients benefit from our 'risk management' service along with all the technological innovations in terms of electronic security", declares Eric Rey, the CEO of Brinks.
Yet another international company is CQ Tech (Mtius). It caters both for individuals and professionals or business organizations. CQ invests and maintains highly advanced technologies for its "security products and services". Indeed, the specialty of CQ Tech is that the services provided are wireless. All communication from the protected sites to the control center is via a radio system. The company provides services such as access control, CCTV, alarm systems, video surveillance equipped with a night vision system, infrared alerts, vibration alerts, automatic gates which even work with a solar system and services such as iris recognition and fingerprint reader.
It is true that the services provided by these companies have a price but this is the pre requisite to feel secure at home. Although the number of thefts and crimes may not have increased, burglars seem more audacious and don't hesitate to enter a house even if the residents are in. Recent cases of thefts with violence particularly on coastal areas are examples of this daring attitude.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 L'Express. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
