The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Bahamian security firms yesterday said they “can’t keep up” with demand for their services ahead of the upcoming Christmas season that typically coincides with a spike in crime.

Chris Adderley, Westech Security’s managing director, told Tribune Business:“There has always been an uptick for security services towards the end of the year. The most people can do is take personal responsibility to not leave their personal equipment, devices and things in their car, and just take necessary precautions.”

Last year’s COVID-19 lockdowns and associated restrictions resulted in increased demand for touch-less and remote systems, as opposed to a physical security guard presence. This has not changed subsequently, but businesses and homeowners are now asking for “both” security guards and remote system installations.

“They’re getting both the guards and the system. That’s the unusual part but you know how that goes,” said Mr Adderley. “The police are doing their best, and the Government is trying all it can, but all I can say to people is take personal responsibility.

“As far as I’m concerned, if you leave your car open or your home unprotected, you really can’t blame the Government or the police. We all must take personal responsibility.”

As for the current spike in demand for security services, Mr Adderley said: “It’s so much, I can’t even keep up with it. Everyone knows what’s going on and it’s no point in trying to bury your head in the sand. Just take the necessary precautions so you don’t become a victim.”

Andrew Thompson, Infinite Security Company’s managing director, said: “There is an uptick now. Everybody wants to be more security conscious, but it isn’t abnormal now. It’s just too early to tell. Usually the first week of December, and coming down towards the holiday season, you would start to see security picking up and people wanting more protection.

Regular surveillance equipment, as opposed to motion sensors, are in demand. Mr Thompson said. “A lot of people want to see their businesses while they are out of town, so they want to view it from their cell phones.

“I do mostly commercial installations and not so much residential. People just want to be able to watch their properties while they are away on holiday.”