Our Story & Commitment


Welcome to Secure Rite Security

Since 1994, Secure Rite Security has been the trusted name in crime detection and prevention in the Helderberg area. As a proud, family-owned and operated business, we are deeply rooted in the community we serve. Our mission has always been to create a safer environment for everyone, and we achieve this by partnering with local SAPS, Law Enforcement, Neighborhood Watches and other community initiatives.


At Secure Rite Security, we take pride in our precision workmanship, delivering efficient, friendly service with every interaction. Our advice is backed by well-researched, technology-driven solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Upholding the highest ethical standards, we are committed to being the preferred security service provider in the Helderberg area. Our adherence to the rigorous standards set by The South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA), PSIRA, and the insurance industry ensures that you receive only the best in security solutions and service delivery.



As a business owned and managed by local community members, our dedication to the safety and well-being of our neighbors is at the heart of everything we do. We are here to protect what matters most to you.

Meet The Leadership Team


CRAIG AUSTEN
Managing Director

Craig joined Secure Rite Security in 2000, stepping into the family business founded by his father-in-law, Chris Jacobs. Today, as the main shareholder and Managing Director, Craig leads our dedicated team with a hands-on approach, ensuring that every aspect of our operations meets the highest standards. Craig's passion for the security industry is matched only by his love for the Helderberg community, where he both lives and works. His commitment to the safety of our local residents and upliftment of the security industry, drives his involvement as the current Western Cape Chairman of SAIDSA, a position he has proudly held since 2016. Through his work on various regional and national security committees, Craig stays ahead of the latest crime trends, security technology, and legislation. Outside of work, Craig is an avid rock and surf fisherman, a guitar enthusiast with a diverse collection, and an adventurous spirit who loves riding his motorbike and exploring the outdoors. He balances his professional life with quality time spent with his family. His wife, Kathy, is the creative mind behind the beloved local business Wonky Wines and plays a key role in Secure Rite's public relations efforts.



Chris Jacobs
Director

Chris Jacobs has been a pillar of the security industry for over 50 years. He began his career as a Security Technician for De Beers in Kimberley, where he co-founded the first Monitoring and Armed Response Company in the Northern Cape. In 1994, after relocating to the Western Cape, Chris founded Secure Rite Security, establishing the company's strong foundation in the Helderberg community.

Although Chris is officially retired, he remains an active consultant, lending his invaluable expertise and experience to Craig and the team. His decades of industry knowledge continue to shape our operations, and we're always eager to draw on his insights—especially when we can convince him to take a break from his favourite pastime, tinkering in his garage and building anything from “hoverboard driven wheelchairs” to beautiful wooden footrests. Chris's ongoing involvement ensures that the legacy he built remains a vital part of Secure Rite's success.

Herman Ras
Armed Response Manager

Herman Ras brings a wealth of experience to Secure Rite Security, having served many years in the South African Police Force before transitioning into the security industry. With a deep passion for safety, security and training, Herman is accredited to present a variety of security courses, including firearms training, and he is an accredited assessor and moderator with SASSETA. As our Armed Response Manager, Herman leads a highly skilled team of officers, ensuring that our response service is not only swift and effective but also delivered with the warmth and genuine friendliness that sets Secure Rite apart. Known for his no-nonsense approach on duty, Herman is equally recognized for his sense of humor and love of a good prank, making him our resident comedian and practical joker. Outside of work, you might find Herman hiking in the mountains or casting a line in the local bass dams. He's also the life of the braai, where he fosters camaraderie and team spirit among our armed response officers. If you spot one of our Secure Rite vehicles on the road, give a hoot they are always up for a friendly wave!



Willie Engelbrecht
Guarding Manager

Our Guarding Manager, Willie Engelbrecht, is an ex-SAPS police captain with 24 years of experience. He has served in various specialized units, including the Special Investigation Task Unit (established by the late President Nelson Mandela), the Dog Unit, the Truck Theft Unit, and the Murder/Robbery Unit.

Willie has been in the security industry for 23 years. In 1997, he was appointed Commander and founded the Creighton Farm Watch in the Natal Midlands. He later started his own security company and went on to manage Helderberg Crime Watch in Somerset West.

Willie has been associated with Secure Rite Security since 2013. He and his supervisors are available to our clients 24/7. Our team of handpicked individuals undergoes a rigorous selection process to qualify as Security Officers in the Guarding Division. Each month, our Security Officers are assessed by our training manager and are required to participate in all our training programs.

Selma Bowers
24HR Operations Centre Manger

Selma Bowers has been an integral part of the Secure Rite Security family since 2005, starting her journey as a trainee operations center controller. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a determination to excel, Selma quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming our 24-Hour Operations Centre Manager. Her journey from the ground up is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Today, Selma is the backbone of our Operations Centre, ensuring it runs smoothly around the clock. She leads her team with the same passion and determination that brought her to the top, instilling these values in every member of her staff. With her at the helm, our operations centre is a well-oiled machine, delivering exceptional service 24/7.

Selma is also our longest-serving staff member, a true testament to her loyalty and commitment. Outside of work, she balances her role with being a devoted mom to three beautiful daughters and her two grandchildren. In her spare time, Selma enjoys unwinding with music and spending time with friends, bringing her warmth and positivity into everything she does.



Peter Walker
Assets & Finance Manger

Peter Walker is the backbone of Secure Rite Security’s financial and human resources operations. Known for his unwavering focus, loyalty, and honesty, Peter is a no-nonsense leader who ensures that every aspect of our finances is meticulously managed. His contributions have been instrumental in driving Secure Rite's success, and his easy-going nature, combined with a sharp eye for detail, makes him a valued member of our team.

Peter has been with Secure Rite long enough to know the ins and outs of every corner of our business. His approachable and warm demeanor, coupled with his extensive knowledge, makes him and his team of ladies the go-to for any account queries. However, don’t let his role as a "bean counter" fool you—Peter defies the typical accountant stereotype with his adventurous spirit.

When he’s not overseeing Secure Rite’s financial health, Peter can be found along the coast, indulging in his love for fishing, diving for crayfish and alikreukel, hunting or just camping and tending to an oxtail potjie. A true outdoorsman, he also has a keen interest in geology and is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to local wines and the best bargains. And while Peter’s loyalty to Ford sparks lively debates during management meetings, it’s all in good fun—part of what makes him a beloved member of the Secure Rite family.

Byron Williams

Technical Manager

Byron Williams is the heart and soul of Secure Rite Security's technical operations, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience in the security industry. Starting his career as a wireman, Byron has worked his way up through the ranks, including running his own installation company and gaining invaluable experience with international security firms both locally and abroad. Since joining Secure Rite Security in 2013, Byron has been a driving force behind our technical excellence. Byron is not only a dedicated professional but also a devoted family man. He lives for his family, especially his teenage son, Cody, and balances his work life with being an engaged and loving father. Always ready for a good time, Byron’s bubbly personality and loyalty make him a natural leader who brings out the best in everyone around him. As our Technical Manager, Byron ensures that our Technical installation and Service teams are motivated, well-trained, consistently delivering top-class service and working as a tight knit team, keeping in line with his favourite football teams motto “You will never walk alone”. His passion for technology extends beyond the day-to-day, as he also plays a key role in managing Secure Rite's IT infrastructure, always ready to jump in at a moment’s notice, day or night. Outside of work, Byron’s interests are as dynamic as his personality. He enjoys rock and surf fishing, playing action cricket and football and coaching junior football at De Beers AFC. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious, making him a valued and beloved member of the Secure Rite family.


Proud Members Of SAIDSA | SANSEA | The Cape Chamber Of Commerce

SECURWATCH SECURITY APP

With the ever-changing times and the unfortunate increase in crime in South Africa, we realise that safety must be mobile. Whether the need is to manage your home or business security system remotely or whether it is to provide loved ones with a mobile panic button, the SecuRwatch App has it all. The app is available to everyone and can easily be incorporated as an addition to your personal security efforts.

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