Multi-pronged approach nets criminals in the act

IN THE air cargo industry security for the customers has to be taken very seriously, according to Colin Baldwin, MD of cargo handling specialists, Swissport. “To achieve the necessary levels of security,” he told FTW, “we have contracted Checkport Security – a sister company of Swissport International. “We use them for all our access and egress control, and also do all our X-ray screening of cargoes. This is used as a final check before the cargo leaves our premises.” A further security measure employed is a CCTV camera system in every one of Swissport’s warehouse facilities – with a CCTV control room at OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia) in Johannesburg proactively manned on a 24/7 basis. “So that we don’t have Checkport checking Checkport,” said Baldwin, “monitoring this control room is the sole job of another independent security company.” This CCTV system has already notched up a number of surveillance successes. “With our roving cameras outside, we have, for example, had visual evidence of customers’ representatives discarding cargo into waste bins – part of the theft process prior to this cargo’s illegal removal from our premises.” Swissport also works closely with customs and the SAPS – liaising with them on security issues.