Securitas Mobile Blog

Substance abuse is widespread in the United States. And people with substance abuse problems are not likely to leave those problems behind when they come to work.

Possible Substance-Abuse Indicators

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the following performance and behavior problems may (but do not necessarily) indicate possible substance abuse:

Performance

• Inconsistent work quality
• Poor concentration
• Lowered productivity
• Increased absenteeism
• Unexplained disappearances from the worksite
• Carelessness, mistakes
• Errors in judgment
• Needless risk taking
• Disregard for safety
• Tardiness, extended lunch periods, early departures

Behaviors

• Frequent financial problems
• Avoidance of friends and colleagues
• Blaming others for own problems and shortcomings
• Complaints about problems at home
• Deterioration in personal appearance
• Complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses

If you observe signs or behaviors that indicate someone at your workplace may have a substance abuse problem, report it. Don't worry about jeopardizing a person's job. If someone is abusing drugs, he or she is in far greater danger if you do not report your concern. Identifying a problem can be the first step in helping an individual overcome it.

This is an excerpt from the November 2009 Security Spotlight, an informational guide for Securitas USA Clients and Employees.  Click here to read the full article.

6 October 2009

Securitas has, in line with its strategy to increase its presence in Latin America, agreed to merge its operation in Colombia with the Colombian security services company Socovig Ltd. Securitas will after the merger own 100 percent of the quotas in Socovig. Enterprise value is estimated to approximately MSEK 35 (MCOP 9,800).

Socovig is well positioned in its local market, which are mainly the cities of Bogotá, Cali, Barranquilla and Pereira. The company is mainly operating in guarding, but has also mobile and monitoring operations. Socovig has approximately 1,100 employees and annual sales of approximately MSEK 69 (MCOP 19,000).

After the merger, Securitas in Colombia will have 2,600 employees and total sales of approximately MSEK 165 (MCOP 46,000).

The security market in Colombia is very fragmented. The market is forecasted to grow 10 to 12 percent annually in the short to mid term.

The acquisition will be consolidated in Securitas as of October 1, 2009.

This press release is also available at: www.securitas.com

Information:
Gisela Lindstrand, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications and Public Affairs,
Securitas AB, mobile +46 70 287 8662

Securitas is a knowledge leader in security. By focusing on providing security solutions to fit each customer's needs, Securitas has achieved sustainable growth and profitability in 40 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Everywhere from small stores to airports, our 240,000 employees are making a difference.

Securitas AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 09.00 (CET) on October 6, 2009

Employee theft is an important issue for just about any business.  But the burning question is, how do we stop it?  Securitas Mobile is currently utilizing an alarm verification system called Videofied to identify and document instances of employee theft at a large manufacturing facility.  The system works similarly to most alarm systems with a base unit, a motion sensor, and a keypad.  However, unlike traditional alarms which provides "blind" notification, Videofied captures a 10 second video clip of the alarm event through a small wireless motion activated camera.  This clip is transmitted wirelessly to a central monitoring station, then finally emailed to the client.  This all takes place in just a matter of seconds which provides our client with up to the minute information and assists the police in the apprehension of the individual.

In addition to the camera system, Securitas Mobile patrols the office building and parking area to create a security presence and meet the client's insurance requirements.  We will also be deploying a Tattletale Wireless Alarm to provide alarm protection on the entry gates to the plant and office building. 

Securitas handles the setup and maintenance of the equipment while the client pays one flat monthly fee.  In this instance the client is in the process of closing their facility and therefore, won't be stuck with the equipment when the site closes.  The wireless features and relative ease of setup make it a solid option for temporary setups, but the 4 year battery life and durability of the equipment makes Videofied more than capable of long term applications. 

If you're interested in having Videofied or Tattletale setup at your location, please call 877-686-0822.

October is here and with it comes colorful trees and cooler temperatures.  It signifies the time when sundresses and sandals are pulled out of the closet to make room for sweaters and boots, something I look forward to each year.  October means Halloween is here, a holiday where it is acceptable for children to overindulge in sweets and an excuse for many adults to revert back to children by dressing up as their favorite super hero.  And less noted, but more importantly, October is National Crime Prevention month. 

In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council, the nation's center of excellence for preventing crime, designated October as Crime Prevention Month. The month-long commemoration reflects the adage that prevention pays off. NCPC strongly believes that citizen involvement in crime prevention can and has played a vital role in helping many communities stay safe.  During Crime Prevention Month, government agencies, law enforcement, civic groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations conduct a robust set of activities to highlight prevention information, showcase their accomplishments, reach out to educate and empower the public through educational campaigns, and explore new partnerships that build stronger communities in which crime cannot survive.  Contact your local law enforcement agency for a schedule of activities happening in your community.

This is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself, your coworkers and your loved ones with steps they can take to keep themselves and their properties safe.  For example, simply being aware of your surroundings and walking purposefully can decrease your likelihood of being the target of a physical attack.  Here area a few other things to keep in mind.

• Walk and park your car in well lit areas.
• Have your keys in your hand and ready before getting to your car or home.
• Avoid talking on your cell phone when you are walking alone. This can serve as a distraction and make you less aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid wearing headphones.  This can make you look less aware of your surroundings.
• Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Don't overload yourself with bags that restrict your movement.
• If someone is dropping you off at your home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside before leaving.
• Trust your instincts. If someone appears suspicious, don't be afraid to look them in the eye and walk to the other side of the street.

For more safety tips and information on what you can do in your community to promote crime prevention, visit www.ncpc.com.