Police in the Uthukela Cluster are appealing to members of the public who own tuck shops and small community shops to be aware of a tactic robbers are using to gain entrance into premises.
Most tuck shops and small shops have burglar proofing on all entrance and exit points, as well as the serving hatch.
The suspects approach the tuck shop or shop and request to buy large bags of maize meal.
The shop owner then opens his security gates in order to pass the large bag to the buyer. Once the security door or burglar proofing is open, the suspects barge in and steal cash, cell-phones and airtime vouchers.
Recently, an incident of this nature happened in the Estcourt area. On Sunday, a 31-year-old man was selling items through the burglar proofing of his shop when he was approached by two men who asked to buy maize meal.
The bag was too large to pass through the security gates, so the gate was unlocked and opened to allow for the removal of the maize meal bag. As soon as the security of the premises was compromised, four men brandishing firearms stormed in and stole various items from the store.
In the interests of safety, police advise tuck shop and shop owners to devise a system where large items can be accessed without compromising shop security. Alternatively, make available less bulky items for sale.
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