Underworld crimes linked to businessman Radovan Krejcir have raised concerns for business owners in the Bedfordview area.
Residents are concerned about the impact crime in the area will have on consumer patterns and business confidence in Bedfordview.
Ms Charmaine Van Eeden, the president of the Ekurhuleni North Business Chamber Commerce and Industry (ENCCI), believes the attempted assassination of Krejcir on July 24, the bombing on Bradford and Nicol roads on November 12 and the murder of Bassam Issa on Bradford and Smith roads on October 12, has impacted on Bedfordview’s reputation as an upmarket residential suburb.
“It is understandable that residents are fearful to go to public areas and malls. These incidents don’t just affect consumers, but the staff and business owners as well. Safety concerns come first and this affects businesses,” said Ms Van Eeden.
“The recent escalation of organised crime in Bedfordview has the potential to affect rental prices as well. The rates people pay for premises is also at risk of change. I know of people, especially companies, that want to move out of Bedfordview. They are just waiting for their lease to expire so they can move their businesses.
“In my personal capacity, I am also looking for a place to move my business to. I am avoiding Bedfordview, I am not going in that direction due to the recent escalation of crime in the area,” said Ms Van Eeden.
Setting up meetings and appointments in the area is another aspect which has been affected.
“I have found that getting clients to meet in the area has become more difficult. I have clients ask me to come to their business premises to avoid coming to an appointment in Bedfordview,” she said.
“Property evaluation prices are also of concern since the outbreak of crime,” added Ms Van Eeden.
“I think if you speak to property renters, they would confirm that the per square metre charge for land in Bedfordview could be hard hit,” she added.
In a period of the year when business should be booming and consumer patterns at their highest, several Bedfordview residents have taken to social media and expressed their concerns about going to shopping complexes and malls, making the hash-tag #bedfordview a trending topic.
@black_butterful tweeted, “Where must we go shopping now?? #Bedfordview”, following the bombing on Bradford and Nicol roads.
Lolo La Crevette wrote, “I just want to have lunch, not die. Why are we meeting in Bedfordview?”
@GirlJoburg tweeted, “It is not quite comforting when you at Eastgate, following the crimes that have occurred in and around major shopping areas and complexes.”
