Property owners, businesses and educational institutions have been advised to invest in security gadgets to secure their properties in the face of the energy crisis and armed robbery.
The best form of investment any property owner can have is to secure not only their properties but also their lives, through security gadgets, the Managing Director of Adanced Technology Barbs Security (ATBS) Limited, Mr Eric Owusu, noted.
He spoke to the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of a training programme for 30 security gadgets distributors and installers in Accra.
Organised by ATBS and Sound Image Technologies, he said the training was meant to equip the participants with the skills to install gate motors and access automation products manufactured by Centurion, a South African security gadgets manufacturer.
Centurion distributes its products in more than 60 countries across the world.
According to Mr Owusu, although the security services could do their best to protect lives and property, they would not be everywhere at the same time hence the need for people to invest in their security.
Commenting on the products he said the gate motor provided a motorised system for opening and shutting gates.
“Instead of driving in and blowing the horn and waiting for people to open the gate for you and at the risk of armed robbers, the gate motor caters for all those risks at the press of a button. “
“The centurion motor is very good. Apart from the warranty, there are also technical support and a backup battery which can last for more than 24 hours in case of a blackout, “he said.
“At a time armed robbers are taking advantage of the energy crisis to cause pain and hardship, we want to use the system to contribute to improving security in Ghana.”
Security is paramount
A facilitator of the training programme, Mr Chris Grobler, said the use of the gate motor was not just about “convenience as you don’t have to get up when you are driving in or out but more importantly for the sake of security.”
“It is only the home owner who has access to the property and there is no need to have someone open or close your gates after you.”
“When you get home after work you are vulnerable to being hijacked or kidnapped if you are a business owner or anyone that is an icon in the country. Gate motor increases your security because the gate always stays closed and when you get home, you just press a button to open and close the gate to prevent people from tailgating you.”
“Schools need to think about security. Even older people are soft targets. People who are kidnappers or hijackers will go for rich people; that kind of activity happens whether we like it or not. It is rare in Ghana, it is rare in other countries until someone gets away with it and then it starts increasing.
A participant, Mr Mark Asante, said the training had helped the participants to appreciate what the device they were installing can do.