FIDELITY SERVICES GROUP: Facing Crime Head On

Sadly, South Africa remains a dangerous place. In fact, the country is ranked as one of the most dangerous and violent places in the world according to the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2024. The report positioned South Africa 127^th out of 163 nations. Each year, the IEP publishes its report based on a range of qualitative and quantitative indicators from respected external sources to provide a measurement of the state of peace across three domains: the level of societal safety and security; the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict; and the degree of militarisation.

Overall, the report’s findings show a decrease in the overall level of peacefulness globally, driven mainly by the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. But, disappointingly, South Africa sits below other African countries including Madagascar (44), Botswana (50), Ghana (55), Zambia (57), Namibia (62), Tanzania (65), Sierra Leone (66), Angola (72), and many more. In fact, only 15 African countries rank below South Africa in the report’s standings. 

Crime has blighted South Africa’s reputation for decades, and the challenge continues. In a recent study from Stats SA, it was discovered that a large percentage of people do not feel safe walking in their neighbourhoods – especially women, particularly at night. Many also fear assault, robbery, carjacking, and home breaking with significant incidents reported to South African Police Service (SAPS) through 2022-2023.

For many, the answer is now private security. One of the largest industry sectors in the country, and one of the largest private security industries in the world, South Africa’s is home to more than 580,000 active officers, and many more registered or informally employed (the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA)) states that there are roughly 2.69 million security personnel in the country). This figure dwarfs the official police force and military. However, private security doesn’t come cheap, and many still rely on state provision.

The industry leader is Fidelity Services Group. Established in 1957 as the first cash solutions services provider in the country, the company merged with Khulani Springbok Patrols in 1999. In 2015, the company acquired Bidvest Protea Coin Cash Management Solutions before, in 2017, acquiring ADT South Africa. In 2018, 2RM was added to the business and then in 2019 Cleaning Services, Secure Drive, and Fire Solutions were added to the Fidelity family.

RANGE & SCALE

Around 58,000 employees work tirelessly to help deliver a range of services to residential and commercial clients while helping to support SAPS in the wider community.

It is this range and scale that makes Fidelity so popular. Very deliberately, the company can have guards patrolling secure environments in Stellenbosch, offering value-add services including firefighting and cleaning, while at the same time deploying highly trained, highly experienced tactical units pursuing criminal gangs in central Johannesburg.

“By keeping abreast of the latest trends and technological developments globally, and continuously evolving and innovating, the Group remains a front-runner in the security solutions market. Through a bouquet of services and related products, the Group can tailor-make a solution for any requirement,” Fidelity states.

Its vision is clear, and industry-leadership has always been part of the long-term plan. “To be the pre-eminent provider of integrated services protecting the assets of our clients in Southern Africa and targeted international markets, through the consistent achievement of excellence in every sphere of security provision and client service,” is how the company sees its journey.

Unfortunately, crime in South Africa is big business. The scale and organisation is misunderstood by most, and even with 160 points of contact around the country Fidelity cannot stop every felony.

To bolster its presence and improve its offering, technology is increasingly being rolled out to support Fidelity on the ground.

“You cannot deploy people all over and you need to use technology,” admitted CEO Wahl Bartmann previously. “There have been a number of examples where we have used technology to see criminal activity and apprehend the criminals. Definitely, you need to use technology to protect and monitor. It’s a great deterrent.”  

At this time of year, focusing on the small details is important, and technology can play a big role in keeping homes and businesses safe. With many organisations closed throughout the entire festive period, and many families taking the time to holiday away from home, vital layers of security must be in place. Electric fencing, cameras, alarms, access control, and a range of other security measures are key with criminals becoming more sophisticated each year.

Fidelity works with Secutel Technologies, a fellow PSiRA member, to ensure its clients have access to the best intrusion detection, smart AI CCTV, and biometric control systems. ISO-certified, Secutel is a premier security intelligence and technology partner.

“When you’re away, the opportunity is there,” said Bartmann. “Criminals don’t take leave – they are there. Shopping centres are targeted. Criminals are prepared and they look at cash in transit as well as consumers. You have to be observant and you have to be proactive.

“Loadshedding has created problems,” he added, “if power is down then fences and other technologies can go down. Criminal syndicates are well-prepared. They know who works from home and when alarms might not be set. You have to be vigilant.”

CLOSER TO CLIENTS

While being vigilant around home and business, you must also not forget the on-the-road criminals – South Africa’s hijackings and automotive crime stats have soared in the past three years, with SAPS reporting an average of 66 hijackings daily, 34% more than before the pandemic. Chinese-manufactured vehicles are now top of the hit list for hijackers, with many groups attracted to these brands because of a perceived improvement in quality driving demand in the sector. Bartmann reminded that technology can play a role in preventing and recovering a stolen vehicle, but vigilance remains key.

“When a vehicle is following you close to your home and/or when an unknown vehicle is parked close to your residence, drive past your house and to your nearest police station and alert your armed response company. Vehicle telematics systems are effective tools to help in the recovery of your vehicle. If you haven’t considered one before, I urge you to do so today.”

The private security market is growing as the number of crimes reported and the damages continue to spike. With this, comes an increase in the number of security companies – everything from journey management for corporate travel to highly specialised technology and software providers – all want a piece of the pie.

To differentiate itself from the rest, and prove its position as the undisputed industry leader, Fidelity has re-structured and re-strategised in the post-pandemic environment. Today, regional teams are more responsive and more connected to the community – partly thanks to technology but also deliberately with Fidelity looking to be a highly visible presence that customers can count on. Whether it’s security, technology, fire, cleaning, or more, Bartmann wants the company to be highly present.

“We believe we need to be closer to our customers,” he said. “We need a hands-on approach and we need our teams in the areas with customers, run as small businesses in those areas. Our teams are there, and we have specialised intervention units in those areas, which has allowed us to change approach and respond to each and every need.”  

When Fidelity’s work is all-encompassing – including technology, guarding, intelligence, and community engagement – there is little room for criminals to operate, and South Africa feels that little bit safer.

In recent weeks, Fidelity has stopped potential home invaders in Gauteng, thieves have been handed to SAPS after attempting a break-in in Gqeberha, stolen guns have been recovered in Durban, stolen items have been recovered and returned to owners after a mugging in Bloemfontein, a retail store has been protected as burglars tried to break in in Cape Town, and a new fire truck has been added to the fleet. At all times, the Fidelity team is out and about showcasing its presence. This deterrence is the first step in addressing crime at its heart.