Robberies in malls and shopping centres a huge concern

JOBURG – The DA insists expert training will improve the police intelligence unit and the manner of handling incidents in public venues.

Cope calls for a joint-operation among all stakeholders to curb the incidents of robberies in the malls and shopping centres in Gauteng province.

The recent spate of robberies at shopping centres and malls in the Gauteng has raised concerns.

This prompted Congress of the people (Cope) to call for all round partnerships and the use of cutting-edge technology to halt the spate of mall robberies.

“Better controls of traffic at entry points to the malls and exits, with the ready availability of rapid emergency response will also prove beneficial,” said Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem.

He indicated that computer and mobile telephone stores and retailers should intensify their security measures since they have become easy targets.

“Mall robberies pose a serious threat to customers and retailers. These robberies also lay bare the inadequacies of the current South African policing system,” complained Bloem.

According to Cope it was regrettable that SAPS spent more time monitoring service delivery protests.

“Cope calls for the laying down of minimum standards or guidelines for CCTV installations in malls,” he added.

The organisation also called for an urgent joint-operation among all stakeholders including the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC), Consumer and Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and SAPS.

Meanwhile Gauteng DA Shadow MEC for Community Safety and spokesperson Kate Lorimer commended the police intelligence unit for handling the attempted robbery incident at Clearwater Mall.

She indicated however, that more strict guidelines and superior training were required to ensure how police handle such incidents especially when civilians were put in danger.

“We need well-trained specialised units to deal with these kinds of incidents and the prevention of them,” explained Lorimer.

Considering the Clearwater Mall incident, Lorimer concluded that SAPS should have ambushed the criminals before they even entered the mall.

Details: DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety Kate Lorimer 083 642 2727; Cope 082 451 5718.