Independence delivers
Independent security risk Advisors. After 21 years with the South African Police, specifically within the Crime Investigation Unit, I left the force and moved into the security industry. I’d spent years observing crime patterns and examining thousands of crime scenes, conducting interviews with both victims and criminals. Over time, one thing became clear: crimes often happened under similar conditions that could be prevented if identified early. This led me to develop the concept I call “Reverse Crime Engineering”—a proactive approach that aims to prevent crime by addressing security risks before they can be exploited.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a corporate office building in Johannesburg, where we identified several risks that standard assessments often fail to detect. Our independent perspective enabled us to recommend practical measures to protect employees, clients, and assets while strengthening the building’s overall security framework.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles on our website tailored to your interests.
“Crime only happens when three elements—desire, ability, and opportunity—align.”
Let me explain this further:
1. Desire: We cannot change a criminal’s desire, which is often rooted in personal background, circumstances, and social influences.
2. Ability: Criminals can vary in strength or intelligence, but we can counter their abilities by making it more challenging to access what they want. Stronger barriers and advanced security systems reduce their chances.
3. Opportunity: Here lies the key to effective crime prevention. Criminals are largely opportunistic; if the chance is there, they’ll take it. By removing or minimizing these opportunities, we can disrupt their plans.
Over the years, I’ve seen time and again how opportunities for crime emerge due to a few recurring problems:
1. Lack of Knowledge: Many people don’t have a full understanding of how best to secure their property or environment. Without this knowledge, they leave gaps in their defenses.
2. Reactive Security Measures: Most security systems are implemented only after a crime has occurred, leaving people and properties vulnerable in the meantime.
3. No Long-Term Security Planning: Far too few people consider what their security needs will be over the long term, which results in gaps that criminals can exploit.
4. No Professional Security Risk Assessment: Without an in-depth assessment, many security risks remain hidden, and crucial vulnerabilities go unaddressed.
It was these insights that drove me to establish Alwinco, which stands for “Always in Control.”
Alwinco is an independent risk assessment company dedicated to providing clients with objective, comprehensive assessments without the influence of product sales. When I started, the concept of an independent security assessment firm was new, and most assessments were linked to products. But I believed there was a strong need for unbiased expertise in identifying and mitigating security risks.
“In South Africa, many people view crime as something negative that they’d rather not think about—until they, or someone close to them, becomes a victim. This mindset is a mistake.”
We must address crime before it affects us. Outdated solutions like guard dogs, a security officer at the gate, or a basic alarm system are insufficient for today’s sophisticated criminals. Effective security systems must work together in layers, each reinforcing the other.
At Alwinco, we consider every aspect of security, including
• External threats (those originating outside the organization or property),
• Internal risks (such as employee misconduct or inside jobs), and
• Extreme risks (fueled by grudges, mob activity, or substance use).
With this comprehensive approach,
Top executives and security managers have begun to recognize the true value of independent security assessments. They see that security is not simply an expense but an investment that can prevent costly losses in the future. It’s far less costly to prevent a crime than to replace equipment, data, or—worst of all—recover from the loss of life.
“Since leaving the police force, I have conducted nearly 300 security risk assessments on a range of properties and structures. These assessments are done without financial influence from product manufacturers or suppliers.”
Too many assessments today are product-driven, with assessors offering “free” evaluations to promote specific products or services.
While this may benefit the assessor, it often leaves the client with only partial solutions that may overlook significant risks.
At Alwinco, we offer independent training for individuals who want to understand and apply methods for assessing security risks. However, so far, there are few who fully understand the importance of a truly independent assessment, especially locally. Security risk assessments, when done properly, provide a solid foundation for understanding and mitigating risks specific to each client, free from commercial influence.
In a world where security threats evolve daily, a customized, independent risk assessment is one of the most powerful tools available. Taking control of your security now—by thoroughly understanding and addressing your specific vulnerabilities—is the best way to keep crime out of your life.
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By André Mundell # Independent security risk Advisors