Assessing Security Measures in Bed and Breakfast Organisations: A Case Study from Idutywa and Butterworth in the Eastern Cape Province

Abstract

The study sought to highlight the safety and security risks encountered by the management, staff and guests in bed and breakfast (B&B) organisations, specifically in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A perceived lack of security causes B&B establishments to be seen as easy targets for criminals, which makes these establishments the target of various types of crime and puts the guests' and the B&B assets at risk. Security has been recognised for a considerable period as an important need for strengthening the growth and expansion of the accommodation sector, but especially the B&B industry in developing countries. The B&B sector plays an important role in the development of South Africa's economy, with tourism capacity-building, creating employment, redistribution of income and encouraging local people to open small businesses. The objective of this article is to assess whether there are effective security systems in place to assist security personnel in the B&B industry in Idutywa and Butterworth in the Eastern Cape province to deal successfully with security issues at the B&Bs. A qualitative methodology was employed to collect data that would result in a narrative and form of interpretive practice. This methodology involved interviews in the form of meetings, writing notes, making voice recordings, and employing a naturalistic approach. This means that the phenomenon has been considered by the researcher in terms of physical settings and attempts to derive more understanding from the collected data. Qualitative research involves testing a subject through a theory. This was the first empirical investigation conducted in Idutywa and Butterworth for safeguarding assets, staff, and guests at B&Bs, and to consider strategies of crime prevention in the B&B industry. The examination took the form of interviews as the data collection tool, which involved 20 research participants comprising security officers, B&B managers, staff, and guests at the 15 selected B&B establishments in Idutywa and Butterworth in the Eastern Cape Province. The investigation examined and documented the vital role played by security officers, staff, and managers in the safeguarding of B&B assets, and staff-and guests' valuables. The study also investigated the impact of crimes and incidents that took place in the selected establishments, as well as identifying the criminals responsible for these crimes. The study revealed that while management of the B&Bs was generally aware of possible criminal activities, and had taken precautions to prevent these, much still needs to be done.