Media Center

Is your life at risk because of poor security?

04 March 2010

Hein Prodehl, West Coast resident and owner of the area’s Trellidor franchise, is very concerned about the lack of information amongst consumers about the difference between good and poor security, leaving local residents under the misconception that all security barriers work the same and that price is the only differentiator.

“It doesn’t make sense to put loved ones at risk by installing inferior quality products simply because they are cheap. But if people decide to go that route, they must be aware of what they are doing and understand the consequences. This means asking your sales person the right questions,” said Hein.

He makes the following points to help locals make enlightened decisions about their security:

• Security companies have come and gone in the area. Make sure the company you deal with is not a ‘fly-by-night’ supplier. Ask them how long they’ve been in business and for references of work done on the West Coast. Trellidor has been securing South Africans for over 30 years, including both homeowners and large retailers such as Makro and Shoprite/Checkers.
• Price should not be the only deciding factor when it comes to choosing security barriers. “The barriers should fit the risk profile of the home, so ask your supplier to do a proper risk assessment,” said Hein. Trellidor offers a range of barriers to suit all risk levels as well as a free security assessment.
• Ask if you can visit the showroom to test the product range for yourself. They should have sample security barriers that you can have a close look at. Open and close them; check out the locking system and ask the salespeople to show you the difference between the barriers in their range.
• Find out whether or not the security company supplies a back –up service. This is important if you have an emergency. Those in it for the money will not be keen to assist if you have a break-in or lose the keys to your security gate.
• Ask the company about its training methods. “All our Trellidor security consultants and installation technicians are properly trained, making them barrier security experts that can offer invaluable advice,” said Hein.
• Professional security companies will be able to secure any opening, even difficult architectural features, extra large front doors or large expanses of glass. If your supplier can’t do this, you need to find someone else that can.

“I have owned the Trellidor franchise here for over six years. My team is part of this community and concerned for everyone’s safety. We’d like to encourage local residents to contact us for security advice so that we can help them choose the right security for the right reasons,” said Hein.