Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Economic Troubles Bring Security Threats to Business

According to Mr. Roger Ameriks from Crown Security Group in New Zealand, his company is seeing increasing demand from a number of organizations and individuals who may not have previously needed security services.

Roger and his team at Crown Security Group offer global experience in security at the highest level, including Close Protection work for the Saudi Royal Family, Diplomats, VIPs, corporate heads and celebrities. The company also offers specialist training in security services throughout the world, sought after by various military and government agencies, and corporations.

Now, the team are seeing the world's financial sector in the security spotlight as stress levels continue to rise.

"Protocols need to be put in place to address all issues of security and personal safety in the business environment. We're getting a lot of enquiries from people reassessing their security needs," Roger says.

Redundancies are a sad reality of the world's struggling economy, with tens of thousands of people losing their jobs in recent months. Roger says disgruntled employees burdened by financial worries can give rise to a host of security threats for a company.

"Employers need to consider security issues when making redundancies. It's prudent to have a discreet security presence at redundancy announcements and meetings in case tensions boil over," Roger says. "An ex-employee has an intimate knowledge of a business, so measures need to be taken to remove risks to people and property should someone decide to act on their frustration at losing their job."

As economies falls on hard times, the likelihood of rifts between business partners and colleagues also increases. In many years of security at the highest level, Roger has seen anger erupt into physical aggression in numerous settings - including the boardroom.

"Financial pressure pushes people into desperation, and they do things they wouldn't normally do. Things can turn ugly very quickly - good security is about being one step ahead to avoid that."

Corporate heads may also face threats to their personal safety in an ailing economy as people vent their anger at losing money, or their jobs.

"Contrary to popular belief, close personal protection is not just for celebrities. For a businessperson feeling vulnerable, having a protection professional looking after their personal safety allows them to get on with their lives and running their business, and know they are safe doing it," says Roger.

Employee theft is another aspect to consider as people feel the pinch of a turbulent economy and rising living costs. A security audit can significantly reduce the risk of a company falling victim, Roger says.

Ultimately, he says addressing security in a business or organization is not about scaremongering or raising suspicion. "It's about raising awareness of security issues and putting sound systems in place to keep people and the business safe from the very real threats that are out there these days."

Crown Security Group (http://www.crownsecuritygroup.co.nz/)