Preventive safety measures

Preventive safety measures can be understood as precautionary measures of a general nature. In this case, they do not require a specific reason. Rather, such measures are based on potential risks and dangers that need to be avoided. Crime prevention is one of these security measures. However, security measures can also be directed against specific dangers, such as attacks and other criminal offences, but also fires. These potential dangers have then already been recognised as an acute threat. In this case, the defence and security measures taken to date should be reviewed and expanded.

When a department store employs a shop detective in the fashion department, this is a preventative measure to combat crime. This measure is intended to minimise the number of shopliftings and ensure the safety of customers. It is also intended to catch shoplifters in the act. The inconspicuous shop detective does not act as a deterrent as he works undercover. The shop detective only becomes active with people who are behaving conspicuously or are suspicious. Mirrors in poorly visible corners or cameras that monitor the checkout area supplement this preventative measure. The prevention measures are supplemented here by measures for defence and the protection of victims. In the event of criminal offences, the police are called in.

Preventive security measures are used against an expected incident that has a high probability of occurring. However, there is usually no specific reason directed against a particular person or organisation. On the contrary, it is generally known that shoplifting is becoming increasingly common these days. They are sometimes carried out by gangs and with professional strategies. Sometimes such offences are carried out by individuals out of desperation, greed or boredom. If these offences cannot be prevented in advance, the shop detective becomes active. They would therefore act as an intermediary between prevention and concrete measures to protect the company.

Without preventive security measures in the form of overt or covert cameras, shop detectives and mirrors with an observer behind them, a department store can suffer considerable financial damage as a result of shoplifting. The same applies to any other business or private home, for example those of prominent individuals. The preventive measures taken to avert danger are determined on the basis of a risk analysis. They affect all areas of the company, from IT and building security to the employees themselves.

Security measures of a general nature are also common in private households. For example, the house is carefully locked when you are away. Windows and doors are secured. Timers switch lights on and off. Large properties can be secured with cameras, guard dogs, fences, access controls or security guards. All these defence measures increase security. They are aimed at potential dangers and risks.

Defence against specific dangers

Many of the preventive security measures for averting danger in larger companies are carried out by the Site security or Object protection. Sometimes, however, a situation arises in which an entrepreneur also needs a security guard. Security service or a detective agency. This is usually in response to specific threats such as industrial espionage, sabotage, blackmail or embezzlement on a large scale. Professional help is important because of the possible legal consequences.

Undercover investigations and stricter entry and exit controls, subsequent IT installations, a discreet review of the accounts or the monitoring of certain employees suspected of embezzlement serve to avert a specific threat. Often, damage has already occurred by the time the company resorts to such measures. Sometimes even regular patrols, alarm systems, locking systems, guard dogs or security doors are not enough to provide sufficient security and avert danger.

The defence against potential risks and hazards is intended to protect people, assets, authorities or companies from (further) damage. In order to achieve this, all potential and specific risk areas must be analysed and equipped with coherent measures. If necessary, these must be regularly adapted to new findings. Outdated security systems as well as incomplete and inadequate protective measures in the IT sector have already been the undoing of many companies.

Hackers can now manipulate computer systems at will - so-called cybercrime. They can paralyse companies. Security concepts must be regularly revised in light of new technologies and findings. Only legal protective measures may be taken. Entrepreneurs and authorities often forgo sensible measures for cost reasons. Experience shows that this does not pay off. Wherever there are gaps in the defences, someone with criminal energy will know how to exploit them.