If some thugs broke into your house, your first response would be to panic. Your second response would be to look for the safest possible place to hide. Only an idiot would Tweet in a time of crisis. But what if that Tweet could actually save your life? What if you could check your news feed on Facebook and get an alert moments before the thugs arrived? Securex, a private security firm with operations across East Africa offers such a service.

The last time someone dialed 999 and expected any kind of response was probably sometime in the 90’s. Even with a direct line to your nearest police station, the risk of delayed response time is too high. By the time the officers are at your door, the damage may have already been done. This is why private security has continued to thrive over the past few years. Crime is an ever-present threat that can strike without warning. It’s companies like Securex that do their level best to keep their clients safe.

“We try to go above and beyond basic security,” said Emilia Kaczmarek, the company’s Communication’s Manager.

With over 3000 guards in Mombasa and Nairobi and over 40 years worth of experience, Securex prides itself with having the best security in Kenya.

Live Security Feeds

In a world where information can travel at two thirds the speed of light, content can easily lose its footing. Some posts on Facebook tend to be trivial while others have no immediate value whatsoever. Securex, however, uses live online feeds on Twitter and Facebook to keep clients posted on security issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. Updates are posted in real time.

What’s more is that the company is always compiling crime data based on recent trends within the region. Their security statistics report theft as the most prevalent crime between January and July 2012 with Wednesday noted as the most dangerous day of the week.

Securex also offers CCTV cameras that can take pictures of intruders on demand. The devices use GSM/ GPRS technology to send images directly to the client’s computer. SMS alerts can also be sent to the client’s phone. On top of this, the devices can send alerts to the client via e-mail and can be located anywhere in the world based on their GSM coverage.

State of the Art Technology

The company, which has contracts with the UN and the World Bank, is currently working on an App which will be used to alert clients about ongoing security threats.

Securex also has an Underground Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS) that works by taking pictures of number-plates and the spaces below cars just as they enter a building. The system has already been installed at the Pan Afrique and the Stanley Hotels. Securex is currently the only firm in the country that offers this service.

Customized Security

Like any other business, Securex understands that different clients have different needs. They therefore offer a custom security service for clients wishing to protect their homes. The process involves a survey of the area that needs to be secured.

This survey is done by a security expert from the firm who then advises the client on what tools to employ. The client is free to choose from a wide variety of products including Manned Guarding Services, CCTV surveillance, electric fencing and …

Securex has offices in parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Somalia. The firm plans to open more branches across the country, including Kisumu city.