Woolworths stores on high alert: Increased security

WOOLWORTHS has issued a notice to its customers that it will increase security at all its stores throughout KZN following the recent incidents of ‘incendiary devices’ and bomb threats at stores throughout Durban.

In the notice, the company offered assurances that they take the safety of shoppers and staff very seriously.

“At this stage the motive behind these incidents is unclear and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including the South African Police Service, the Hawks’ Crimes against State unit, local and national government as well as our own investigators, who are providing input and guidance,” said the notice from Head Office, emailed to customers.

The company said that all stores are currently open for trading, but with increased security.

“You will, however, now notice that additional uniformed security guards have been placed in all our KZN stores. We have also instituted a new search process which is for your safety and protection. We realise that these extra security measures may cause you some inconvenience. We are trying our best to minimise any disruption to your shopping experience,” the notice said.

In an attempt to get comment from various local branches of Woolworths, including the Pinetown branch, store management said they were not permitted to speak to the media.

Highway Mail staffers, Lloyd Mackenzie and Beryl Govender visited the Pinecrest Woolworths branch yesterday (Tuesday 24 July) and confirmed that there were two security guards on duty seeming to checking people at random.

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A local shopper, whose name is known to Highway Mail, confirmed she was searched on entering the Woolworths store at the Pavilion. “They are checking our bags,” she said.

The centre management at the Pavilion said while they couldn’t speak officially about security arrangements, they were aware that customers had been given an indication that there would be extra security.

Beverly Wilson, speaking on behalf of Hillcrest Corner, said she and the centre management were aware of the measures as well as the information being sent to customers.

The following answers were given by Woolworths head office’s press office, responding to Highway Mail’s questions (in bold) just before going to press on Tuesday afternoon:

1. Are the new security measures which customers were informed about in place in all stores, or just in the stores that have homeware and clothing, as those targeted in incidents in the past few weeks in Durban?

“Our customers will see more visible security measures such as additional uniformed guards within all our KZN stores.”

2. Are these measures in place at the store in Pine Crest Centre, Pavilion in Westville, specifically?

What do the searches entail?

Are they similar to the searches that used to take place at the entrance to shopping centers in the 1980s? (bags searches, scanners for metal, etc)

What about trolleys with other shopping etc?

“We have instituted a new search process for our people and customers’ safety and protection within all our KZN stores. Due to the sensitivity of the investigation we are unable to divulge the additional protection and detection measures we have put in place in our stores.”

3. Is the increased security clearly visible as uniformed security, or are there also plainclothes people in position to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff?

“Our customers will see more visible security measures such as additional uniformed guards within all our KZN stores. Due to the sensitivity of the investigation we are unable to divulge the additional protection and detection measures we have put in place in our stores.”

4. Finally, has the head office been given any indication why it is that Woolworths, in particular ,seems to have been targeted in the past incidents?

“At this stage the motive behind these incidents is unclear and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including the South African Police Service, the Hawks’ Crimes against State unit, local and national government as well as our own investigators, who are providing input and guidance.”

UPDATE:  The following official statement was received from Julie-Anne Zuma of The Pavilion Shopping centre after the story went to press: 

“The safety and security of our patrons and tenants has always been a priority for The Pavilion Shopping Centre.  The Management team constantly engages with tenants to ensure that the necessary security measures are put in place to provide a safe shopping environment for all customers.  The team is in full support of such measures and continue to work closely with the local SAPS office, the organised crime prevention unit and Business Against Crime.”

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