Warrant Officer Balan Muthan, head of communications for Douglasdale police said, “What is very alarming about some of these incidents is the lack of security cameras inside the mall premises.”
According to Richard Phillips, joint CEO of Cash Connect Management Solutions, retailers face an increased risk of armed robberies during the festive season. “With an alarming figure of 52 armed robberies on South African businesses each day, retailers are aware that over the festive season they face an increased risk,” Phillips said.
He attributed this rise to an increase in money. “During the festive season, consumers come with loaded credit cards, wads of cash, and leave with overloaded shopping trolleys – wrapped in the joy of safe, summer expectations,” he said.
However, crime syndicates and organised gangs also find the festive season a time to be jolly.
Phillips said, “Extended trading hours to accommodate the influx of shoppers and holidaymakers further create an opportunity for crime spikes. The upward spiral of robberies occurring at shopping malls is another reality.
“Fuel retailers and convenience store owners along the routes to and in our holiday destinations will also be increasingly vulnerable to cash-related violent crime during this period.”
At a recent retail industry event, the Consumer Goods Council of SA stressed the importance of protecting the retail environment since this industry accounted for nearly 15 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Profit.
Consequently, many business owners have become accustomed to bracing themselves for the December period.
According to Phillips, the most modern and effective means of safeguarding cash on business premises is to install an automated retail cash management solution that includes a robust intelligent cash vault that is built to a minimum SABS Category 4 standard.
“This solution guarantees that once the cash is placed in the vault, it’s as good as banked,” said Phillips.
Zoe van Onselen, marketing manager for Fourways Mall said, “Our onsite security company is working in close conjunction with the local [police], Metro police and Community Policing Forum. We are aware of the increasing threats over the festive season period and our planning is put in place accordingly.”
What do you think is the best way to curb robberies in shopping centres? Tweet @Fourways_Review
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