SOCIAL media was abuzz over the weekend alerting Durbanites to an alleged armed robbery and asking locals to steer clear of Glenwood Village Centre on Saturday afternoon as there was a “robbery and possible shootout” at the Glenwood Spar.
On Monday, centre manager Vanessa Rhynes told Berea Mail she would like to set the record straight. “Unfortunately Glenwood Village experienced two robberies this past week. Last week, Wednesday, there was a robbery at Pep and on Saturday afternoon, Fidelity Guards were held up while transporting cash. I wish to assure the community that there were no gun shots or injuries during these incidents,” she explained.
“We wish to re-assure our customers and community that the centre is aware of criminal elements out there, especially during the run up towards Christmas. Our security staff and car guards are always alert and we are forever looking to improve our vigilance in the centre,” she added.
Rhynes said the centre appealed to customers to be more vigilant, and not to leave valuables in their cars.
“Car jamming is on the increase, and these perpetrators are rife in our area. Every car owner should always check their doors after locking with their remote, to ensure that their car is secure. It is also a good idea to park inside the centre after 5pm in the afternoons and not on the roadside,” she added.
A concerned centre staff member who visited the staff at Pep after the robbery last Wednesday evening said the robbers allegedly robbed staff and customers of their belongings before fleeing. “It’s sad, they were really stressed and traumatised,” the staff member said.
