OUR HISTORY
1923
The Atlas Group was established in Port Elizabeth in 1923. The primary scope of the family business then and for the next 70 years was commercial and domestic laundry, dry-cleaning and textile dying.
1985
Addy Schewitz together with his son Gary Schewitz conceived Atlas Security Systems in 1985. The pioneering concept was the introduction of wire free security systems and portable panic buttons.
1990
The acquisition of Sharp Security with a client base of 45 link-ups in 1990 introduced Atlas to 24-hour Control Room monitoring and reaction.
1993
In 1993, Mike Burmeister was invited to join the company to control the operational activities, including technical installations and repairs, control room monitoring and armed response.
1994
1994 saw the construction of Atlas’ SAIDSA approved Control Centre.
1997
Monty Montgomery is appointed by Atlas Security, during his career he is later appointed to lead the Armed Response unit as the Operations Manager
2004
Atlas Security appoints Vincent Nortier, who later is appointed as the Group Financial Director.
2010
Atlas Security adds an additional 10 Armed Response Vehicles to its fleet as the business continues to grow.
2016
Summerstrand became a hotspot, with a drive from the community and a large investment from Atlas Security, we erected our first CCTV “poles” in the area known as “EXT 10” – These cameras would serve as an “Electronic Patrol Service” to the area – The control room would observe these cameras at specific times. With additional Armed Response Vehicles in the area and the infrastructure of cameras, crime drastically reduced to zero incidents
2016
With the clients and citizens using WhatsApp and groups as a platform to share information, Atlas Security decided to adapt and gear towards this trend by installing 5 desks within the control room, monitoring and assisting on these groups as a give back to the community.
2017
Atlas Security activates and goes live with its first LPR (License Plate Recognition) camera. Linked to a national database, this now allowed control in specific areas. Our control room would immediately receive an alert of any suspicious vehicle entering an area
2017
Atlas Security adds more muscle to its fleet! Atlas Security invested in three state-of-the-art Isuzu KB vehicles which begin their maiden duties on the evening of December, 22nd. These new Armed Response Vehicles are proudly known to us as the “beast”
2017
Atlas Security employs Algoa FM’s Radio Personality, Wayne Hart, as the Group Marketing Manager.
2018
Atlas’ progressive management teams are all involved with the day-to-day functioning of the business. This hands-on approach has seen the company grow from strength to strength over the last 30 years.
2018
An additional 5 “beasts” are added to the fleet who will patrol Nelson Mandela Bay with the support of the over 150 Armed Response Officers.
2018
In a dynamic and enterprising move, NSA Burglar Alarms, MAXISAFE Armed Response & Atlas Security combined their security monitoring and alarm reaction services. This move was made in order to provide you, the client, with a better and more effective service.
2019
Atlas Security starts offering its services beyond Nelson Mandela Bay, now providing intelligent cameras to the farming community and rural areas in Alexandria.
“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON KEEPING RESPONSE TIMES LOW”
Today’s monitoring Control Centre is recognized as the nerve-centre of the entire electronic security network. The South African Intruder Detection Services Association or SAIDSA, established standards and guidelines for the physical structure, equipment and operational methods of these centres in accordance with the requirements of both the security and insurance industries.
Atlas Security’s client base of more than 30 000 monitored alarmed premises in the Eastern Cape includes discerning corporate clients such as, amongst others:
- Aspen Pharmacare
- Algoa Bay Council For The Aged
- Methodist Homes
- McDonalds
- KFC
- Pick n Pay
- Spar
- Echo Foundation
- Bayworld
- Nelson Mandela University
- Eberspacher
- Volkswagen
- Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA)
- Tavcor
- Axxess
- AVIS
- Baywest Mall
- Dimension Data
- Kloppers
- Famous Brands
- Kelston Motor Group
- Steers
- Debonairs
- Wimpy
- Discovery
Atlas also has alliances with and provides armed response services to leading Guarding companies such as: Broubart Security, Group 4 Securicor, Omega Risk Solutions, Magnum Shield, Superior Security, HRG Security, Metro Security, Magic Eye Security and FRN Risk Solutions.
Our registration with SAIDSA (South African Intruder Detection Services Association) ensures that our 24-hour radio control centre facilities and infrastructure are to the highest standards.
AWARDS
2004
PMR Africa Awards
1st place Diamond Award for security companies.
2005
PMR Africa Awards
1st place Diamond Award for security companies.
2006
PMR Africa Awards
1st place Diamond Award for security companies.
2007
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and placing 1st overall in the security category.
2008
PMR Africa Awards
Silver Arrow Award and first place in the security category.
2009
PMR Africa Awards
Diamond Arrow Award and first place for highest rated security company the Eastern Cape.
2010
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and first place for highest-rated security company in the Eastern Cape.
2011
PMR Africa Awards
Silver Arrow Award and first place as the highest rated security company in the Eastern Cape.
2012
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and first place as the highest rated security company in the Eastern Cape. [timeline_event title="2013" subtitle="PMR Africa Awards" align="left"]
Diamond Arrow Award and first place as the highest rated security company in the Eastern Cape.
2014
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and first place as the highest rated security company in the Eastern Cape.
2015
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award in the category of security company doing the most to fight crime in the Eastern Cape – Award: Excellent.
2016
PMR Africa Awards
Diamond Arrow Award and first place as the highest rated security company in the Eastern Cape.
2017
PMR Africa Awards
Silver Arrow Award for a security company and rated as “Excellent”.
2018
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and rated “excellent” for doing the most in our sector during the year to stimulate economic growth and development in the Eastern Cape.
2019
PMR Africa Awards
Golden Arrow Award and rated “excellent” for doing the most in our sector (security) during the year to stimulate economic growth and development in the Eastern Cape