FOCUS ON CRIME with Dickson Chitake
Security dogs have been used for centuries in crime prevention. It is widely accepted that dogs’ keen sense of smell, hearing, and agility make them well-suited for detecting potential threats and apprehending suspects.
While some may argue that technology and other security measures have rendered security dogs obsolete, there is evidence to suggest that these animals continue to play a crucial role in preventing crime.
There are common crimes that are reported regularly and these include stock theft where hustlers mainly target goats and cattle from pastures and pens, unlawful entry, theft from parked cars at yards and theft of car parts – mainly batteries, coil packs, distributers and wheels.
Researches have indicated that, some criminals take advantage of a relaxed community towards some important crime prevention techniques. It is prudent to learn from some of the criminals apprehended by the police. Some homes with walls may be habitats of criminals to the extent that even if the police carry out constant patrols they may fail to deter a criminal who has already jumped into a walled home. A crime can still take place inside a gated house despite the fact that the police are moving along the road.
In scenarios like these, residents are urged to secure trained security dogs. Our extensive security researches revealed that all things being equal, one properly trained security dog has the ability to outperform over five watchmen.
Trained security dogs are endowed with powerful senses and capabilities necessary for achieving best results in security. It was found that the more we keep our dogs constrained within their kennels and chains, the more they become vicious when let out, thereby effectively deterring criminals.
On the other hand, letting a dog wander aimlessly tends to turn it soft and social. It loses its much-needed aggressiveness and zeal to act in your best security interests. Therefore, the dog should live in a kennel and be kept on leash. It is judicious to allow it only out for patrols around the premises. It is encouraged to develop a close relationship with your dog through giving it necessary love and care.
One of the primary reasons trained security dogs are still considered essential in crime prevention is their ability to detect threats that are not visible to the human eye. Dogs have an olfactory system that is more sensitive than that of humans, allowing them to detect hidden weapons, drugs, and explosives with remarkable accuracy. This makes them particularly useful in situations where traditional security measures may be inadequate.
Many criminals are aware of the capabilities of trained security dogs and are less likely to attempt to commit a crime in an area where these animals are present.
Furthermore, trained security dogs are often used in conjunction with other security measures, such as surveillance cameras and security guards. While these technologies are effective in deterring crime, the addition of a trained security dog can provide an extra layer of protection.
Trained security dogs are able to detect threats in real-time and can respond quickly to potential dangers, making them an invaluable asset in maintaining security.
In addition to detecting threats, dogs can also be trained to track suspects, search for missing persons, and provide assistance in emergency situations. This versatility makes them an indispensable asset to law enforcement agencies and security firms.
Studies have shown that the presence of a trained security dog can significantly reduce the likelihood of criminal activity occurring in a given area. This evidence further underscores the importance of these faunas in maintaining public safety.
Despite the benefits of security dogs, there are some who argue that their use may pose ethical concerns. Critics argue that the aggressive nature of some trained security dogs may lead to unnecessary harm to suspects or innocent bystanders. However, it is important to note that security dogs are rigorously trained to follow strict guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
The cost of training and maintaining security dogs can be a factor that deters some organisations from using them in their security programmes. However, when considering the potential benefits of having a security dog on site, the cost may be justified by the added security and peace of mind they provide.