Brakpan police met with shop owners from the CBD and other areas to find solutions in fighting business robberies together.
The meeting was held at the police station last Wednesday. The points of discussion included:
• Closing time of businesses, as many businesses stay open late, leaving them vulnerable to criminals
• Pressing the panic button on time
• Not reporting incidents timeously to police
• Non-vigilant security guards
• Sleeping on the premises
• Language barrier, as many shops are owned by foreign nationals.
Police reported there has been a decrease in business robberies and thefts from shops.
“The owners also agreed that they will comply and close their shops at 19:00 and will also form a business-against-crime group,” said Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Captain Pearl van Staad.
“All shop owners should commit to comply and report genuine incidents to SAPS immediately and to joining the CPF.”
She added operations would resume with the relevant stakeholders such as home affairs, health department, SARS and EMPD by-laws unit.
She mentioned a joint operation held last month aimed at addressing business compliance.
The Brakpan Herald reported in its August 26 edition ‘Several shops closed during by-law compliance operation’ how takeaways, supermarkets and other businesses were visited by members of the Brakpan SAPS, EMPD, representatives from the City of Ekurhuleni’s economic development and health departments, as well as immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs.
Shops found in contravention of by-laws about businesses were immediately closed and prohibited from operating until the necessary certificates or licences were acquired.
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Nine illegal immigrants were arrested and informal traders and hawkers without permits or licences were also prohibited from operating.
The operation also saw the confiscation of a large number of expired food items and other goods past their shelf-life, such as cosmetics.
Police meet with the local business community on the third Wednesday of the month. Shop owners not attending these meetings are encouraged to do so.
Contact the police station on 011 744 7100 for more information.
