Goods worth R8 million stolen in a business robbery

Midrand Police Station are looking for three men who might be able to identify 10 men that were allegedly involved in a business robbery in Corporate Park North, Randjespark.

Sergeant Nhlanhla Madlala said about 10 suspects arrived in trucks at Corporate Park North on 27 January. He added that they allegedly overpowered the security guards, took appliances from the premises and loaded the goods onto the vehicles. Madlala confirmed that three of the suspects were armed with firearms.

The spokesperson for the Midrand Police Station, Sergeant Matome Tlamela said the stolen goods are estimated at R8 million and have not yet been recovered.

“The police are looking for the men in the below pictures as they believe that they can help them with the investigation,” said Tlamela. 

One of the men who could help identify the suspects. Photo: South African Police Service Facebook

Police believe this man might have seen the perpetrators. Photo: South African Police Service Facebook

Tlamela concluded that there have been no new developments in the case but police are looking for the suspects.

Should you have any information, please contact Sergeant Madlala on 071 275 6331.

Sergeant Tlamela offered the following safety tips to help keep business owners safe:

• Greet customers and make direct eye contact: Greeting customers as they enter the store not only improves customer service, it shows the person entering the store that you are aware of their presence.

• Be cautious about answering probing questions: Inquiries relating to opening and closing times are to be expected, but questions or phone calls about your facility’s alarm system or how many employees are on duty at any given time raises red flags. Should that happen, politely refuse to give that kind of information.

• Maintain visibility throughout the store: Make sure to provide as much visibility as possible, allowing people outside to see inside the store. Eliminate any dark areas around your building and parking lots by installing motion sensors that flood an area with light when motion is detected.

• Develop a cash control programme: A good way to help prevent a robbery is by keeping the smallest amount of cash on the premises as possible.

• Be discreet when counting large amounts of cash or preparing a bank deposit — ideally, in the back room while another employee handles the register out front, or when there are no customers in the store: Always take a second person along every time you go to deposit cash. Don’t be obvious about going to the bank. Leave your uniform, apron, or name tag behind when you make a deposit, and do what you can to conceal the money by hiding it a paper lunch bag, a plastic sandwich container, a backpack, or shopping bag. Try to avoid depositing at night.

• Take precautions during opening and closing times: Always have two employees present when opening up a business for the day. Start with a visual check of the entire store before starting your daily opening routine to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. At closing time, have employees check all back rooms, restrooms, and closets to ensure that no one remains in the store. The person in charge of the store should have the only keys to side and back doors and keep them locked at all times to prevent undetected entry.

• Invest in a security alarm system: Investing in a security system that is monitored by a security company 24/7 is a smart way to protect your business. Security companies tend to respond immediately should they detect any suspicious activity. Seek professional guidance to get the best security system for your business needs.

• Train your employees: No matter how safe the premises of your business may seem, managers and employees must be trained in robbery prevention.

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/223594/business-robbery-leaves-one-dead-four-arrested/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/192439/botched-business-robbery-in-corporate-park/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/201898/two-arrested-after-business-robbery/