JOHANNESBURG – This is the question being asked by most shoppers, male and female, as they go about their daily business, popping in and out of shops.
In recent months Glenvista Shopping Centre, Comaro View Shopping Centre and The Glen have been targeted by criminals, and after the tragedy at Bedford Centre recently, shoppers are rightly so concerned for their safety.
The CHRONICLE spoke to a few shoppers on Monday February 2 at Glenvista Shopping Centre, after Pizza Perfect had been targeted on Saturday evening January 31.
“We don’t feel safe at all! This is our local shopping centre and we are here every week. We don’t think it’s just this centre. Robberies seem to be taking place all over Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Shopping is not a pleasant experience, you are looking over your shoulder all the time,” added Sharon Leisher and Lynne Bruce.
“Shopping for food is a necessity, but when I come out to the shops I make sure I don’t wear any expensive jewellery and I look over my shoulder all the time. I used to enjoy shopping, but now I feel afraid. If I hear any loud bangs, I immediately think it could be a gun going off. This is not a pleasant way to live,” said a Mulbarton resident.
“I’ve never been in such an incident, thank God, and I do feel quite safe when I’m shopping,” said a man from Randhart.
Mrs Santo said: “No one is safe anymore. I’ve been in two incidents at shops when they have been robbed, and I think about it all the time when I go out shopping. Both times were extremely frightening and I’m just glad I got out unharmed.”
Another young woman said, “I don’t think about what could happen. I have to shop so I just get on with it.”
On Wednesday February 4, a tenant from Comaro View Shopping Centre had her ring stolen as she was exiting her vehicle. She had driven into the parking lot by her shop and two armed suspects approached her and demanded her ring. The two suspects joined a third suspect in a dull grey Mercedes (registration BD44DBGP) and drove off.
The CHRONICLE spoke to Glenvista Shopping Centre management and asked for their comment on the recent robberies at their centre. “In an unfortunate event a store within the centre was held up and robbed by four men. The store at the time was closed and no customers were at risk during the incident.
“An undisclosed amount of cash was taken. The robbers fled the scene in a white VW POLO driven by another member of their team.
“We are working with police in this regard, and have supplied them with the CCTV footage of the entire incident, and statements taken from the staff members within the store. As this is an active investigation no further information is available.
“Glenvista Community Policing Forum (GCPF) arrived on-site immediately following the incident and offered the staff involved counselling.
“We would like to thank the police and the GCPF for their prompt response to this incident and ensuring that statements were taken and that staff were attended too.
“Glenvista Shopping Centre is currently reviewing its security measures, including implementing stricter entrance controls and lock down procedures at night. Management is also reinforcing security measures with tenants to ensure that they remain alert and vigilant. An anti-car jamming system recently installed has actively prevented criminals using illegal devices to enter vehicles within the parking area without keys. Further high definition CCTV monitoring equipment will be installed within the centre. The safety of our customers is our utmost priority, and we are working with the security team to ensure our safety objectives are achieved.”
A security guard at the centre was also approached for comment and said: “I get to know regular customers and I know exactly which vehicles they drive. All the security guards in the parking lot carry panic buttons and if we see anyone or anything suspicious, we press the button and an alarm goes off in the control room.
“We try the best we can to keep the customers and their vehicles safe. We keep our eyes and ears open and anything suspicious is reported,” he said.
The owner of Comaro View Shopping Centre, Mario Stephanou, added, “We have cameras installed, armed response (D&D Tactical) and an anti-car jamming system. We urge all our tenants and customers to be aware of their surroundings. We can only do the best we can to deter these criminals.”
One tenant of Comaro View said: “We open and close at different times every day in case we are being watched. You can’t be too careful. Crime in shopping centres is increasing and we all need to be far more aware.”
