THE CEO’S MESSAGE
As we enter 2022, we have invested time reflecting on the past year and, more importantly, to where we are headed as a business. While some facets of the workplace have changed permanently, many aspects of our business remain unchanged. We have been responsive to ever-changing needs of customers while keeping a sense of normality. In the face of uncertainties, we continued to adapt and improvise to keep delivering a market leading service while looking after our people.
The unique circumstances of the past two years have influenced our approach to operations and seen us play key roles in supporting New Zealand’s covid response and supply chains.
It has reinforced our overall goal to stand out as a premium service provider that is highly accredited in training, operational standards, and workplace safety.
Our values remain the foundation of how we do business: safety, professionalism, integrity, communication, and enthusiasm. For our people, this means our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace and achieving Living Wage Accreditation. For our customers, it is about building upon our high service culture and leading the way in delivering new security technologies.
This is an incredibly exciting time to be an essential service and our 28 years’ experience is proving invaluable in meeting evolving demands.
To celebrate a new year and evolving direction, we are launching this refreshed client communication. Our objective is to share with you the latest in security trends, insights, and outcomes. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts with our Chief Commercial Officer, Angela Hunter, at Angela.Hunter@matrixsecurity.co.nz.
I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your support and trust. I am also grateful to our talented teams who are committed to delivering outstanding service.
Nga Mihi | Kind Regards,
Scott J. Carter
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Our Business Association Partnerships
We are committed to supporting local business communities and are proud to continue our partnerships with Remuera Business Association, Central Park Henderson Business Association, Greater East Tamaki Business Association, Mt Eden Business Association, Mission Bay Business Association, Milford Business Association, Rosebank Business Association, St Heliers Business Association business associations in the deployment of community-based security strategies and business owner education. You can see our latest informative articles here:
Central Park Henderson Business Association:
Rosebank Business Association:
Retail Crime
Recent statistics released under the Office Information Act to the Dairy and Business Owners Group document a significant rise in retail crime, with Auckland reporting a 33% increase in retail thefts since 2020, equating to some 16 thefts a day.
Retail crime includes petty theft, organised large-scale theft, assault, self-checkout crime, refund crime, property damages, e-crime, public displays of anger and aggression, and credit card fraud. The annual cost to New Zealand business is estimated to be one billion dollars in losses, not to mention the emotional impact on owners and employees having to manage the stress associated with the impact of crime.
In addition to collaborating with other business owners, local business associations and police, retailers have many security options available to assist in deterring thieves. Finding the right solution will depend on the assets to be protected, neighbourhood demographics and crime rates, store layout, and available budget.
Technology solutions have been proven as a deterrent against retail crime and should be used in conjunction with a well-considered physical layout.
Installing video surveillance cameras and spot monitors in prominent areas and with appropriate signage serves a dual purpose in that it can act as a deterrent or provide evidence. Video Verification is an emerging technology which allows monitoring centres to validate criminal activity when an alarm is activated, enabling faster response to events, and reducing costs associated with deploying patrol officers unnecessarily.
An alarm system should be designed for the environment (ensuring fit for purpose brand deployed, accurate placement of sensors and regular maintenance plan). Including auto-set timers to ensure alarms are activated after hours can avoid human error (forgetting to activate the alarm). Discuss and document a robust response plan that considers a specific course of action for each potential event (for example, if the alarm is activated at 2am on a Sunday morning, dispatch a patrol officer. If the alarm is activated at 10am on a Wednesday morning, call the store manager).
Stores with easy public access to window frontage might consider glass break detectors that provide early detection of attempted break-ins and when used in conjunction with sirens and strobes being activated, acts as an excellent deterrent to the offender making further effort to access the premise.
Retail stores with high value products have installed fog cannons which, when activated, dispel a powerful jet of fog that is harmless but provides a highly effective visual barrier.
The role of a modern-day retail security officer is to keep a watchful and vigilant eye on all aspects of the retail store alongside delivering a quality customer experience. The skillset of today’s security officer requires a strong communicator, ability to negotiate instore aggression, an innovative thinker and technologically capable.
You may also find this video produced by GETBA in partnership with the NZ Police and the Asian Council on Reducing Crime (ACRC) of use: https://getba.org.nz/video-clips-for-retailers.
Alarm Monitoring via the Internet
We keep talking about the fact land-line alarm monitoring is fast becoming unavailable as copper networks are withdrawn. It is becoming more important to consider options now as withdrawals have begun with several exchanges in Auckland and we have been advised services will be withdrawn in the coming months. We will be communicating directly with our clients who are impacted outlining the options. It is not a complex process and, in many instances, the solution we provide is more cost effective and feature rich than copper.
For clarity, Internet Protocol monitoring, known as IP monitoring, is when the alarm communicates with our centralised monitoring station through your internet connection. Many alarm systems can also be accessed via apps on your mobile devices.
Anyone with an IP enabled alarm can access their security systems from anywhere, check the status of their home and arm/disarm different zones of their home or business. These reports can enable you to view when your children come home from school, when trades people, cleaners or staff enter and leave, and if the alarm is constantly communicating to our monitoring centre.
You can read more here: https://matrixsecurity.co.nz/technology-solutions/
To find out more about the right solution for your business, call Alex, Ravina or Angela on 09 525 8532 or email sales@matrixsecurity.co.nz.
PHOTO MONTAGE FROM THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Matrix Security’s staff celebrating the end of 2021 with the Staff Christmas Party, as well as the presentation of the Employee Recognition Awards:
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