● Brinks employs more than 3,000 people. Is this a sign that private security is a booming sector?

When we settled in Mauritius, we were about 3,000 employees and today this number has increased to 3,200. So, I think that, in terms of human resources, the company has not grown. However, the boom is with the demand for electronic systems ? people want to feel more secure.

● Does it mean that more people can afford home security system?

Security still has a price. However, security methods have become more available thanks to rental systems. Some years back, people were forced to buy a whole system to be connected to an alarm company while we now have packages where the initial investment is less important with affordable monthly instalments. However, it is important not to sell off security ? there may be price differences between two companies and it is positive for consumers. But low prices must not be the excuse for low quality material or less equipment.

● What is the average price for a security system?

Let?s take a standard house with two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and a ?normal? amount of windows and doors. A full system to guarantee real security for its inhabitants would be between Rs 18,000 and Rs 25,000 as initial investment in addition to the monthly intervention fee of Rs 1,000. These prices include the maintenance of the material, the connection to the monitoring centre, the phone operators, as well as the diagnostic and intervention service ? between 5 and 15 minutes. 20 dedicated patrols drive through the island all day and night to intervene rapidly.

● Have you personally noticed any decline in law and order for the past few months?

I believe the number of robberies or violence cases has remained stable but I have noted that the degree of violence tends to rise. In fact, there seems to be an evolution in what people dare to do. They now have the nerve to get into a house where the residents are sleeping. How could you imagine a few years back that someone would dare to make a hold-up at Shibani Finance?

● Would you describe private security agencies as a parallel police force?

No, we can?t say that. There are definitely expectations from the public whose members often want such companies to go beyond their mission. But it is dangerous and we often have to explain our customers that we must keep doing our job beyond certain limits. But I think the police and the private companies could be complementary without anyone doing the other?s job ? I can?t see why there must be policemen in front of banks while they could be more useful for investigation purposes or to prevent crimes and offences.

● What is the main difference between the police and a security company?

It is the sphere of activity. Our role is confined to the private field while theirs extends to the public area.

● In which areas could the police and companies like Brinks develop a partnership?

Brinks alone represent more than 3,000 people in the field who see things happening. We could help the police by giving them live information. We could make them take part in serious cases of robberies of violence. But the most important could be the project of urban cameras. Such collaboration already exists but it may have to be formalised.

● You were talking about urban cameras. Govern-ments have talked about it but nothing has been done...

If Mauritius wants to protect its citizens and encourage tourists, the government must make sure tourists are safe and the sole solution is CCTV. It works although it does not have to be excessive; a few cameras in well-defined areas should discourage any potential criminal. I think this is the next step towards more safety and we are waiting for the invitations to tender to propose our services.

● The security of tourists has been a concern recently.

Hotels have understood the problem for a long time and have taken the steps to make sure their guests are safe. The Integrated Resort Schemes will also ensure maximum security to their guests. Problems arise in bungalows, small hotels or complexes where there is no or low security ? the key of the bungalow could have been copied, there is no alarm and no safe. A minimum level of security with an alarm system, a safe and a digital lock should be enough. Like in hotels, these places could also place pamphlets to ask tourists to be careful with their personal stuff.

● You recently met the minister of Tourism to discuss these security methods.

Of course, Mauritius must work on its image of a safe place. We must reflect on ways of upgrading security. This should go through the establishment of a charter for security companies to make sure that no opportunist takes advantage of the implementation of more safety methods in bungalows, for instance. New norms ? like minimum wages, minimum funds to run the business, experience and a clean record for the manager ? should allow only professionals to carry out such business. One can?t become a professional security company overnight?