Police has urged businesses to be extra vigilant and also to sensitise their staff members around security at all times.
“Robberies at businesses are increasing and currently there is no specific time frame,” explained Honeydew Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs.
She mentioned that in most of the recent robberies, suspects were ‘posing’ as clients. “While staff are assisting the clients, they will then produce a firearm and demand money and personal belongings.” She urged business owners to not leave large amounts of cash in the cash registers at any time of the day or night. She also advised businesses to start using drop-safes.
Keeping the lines of observation in the business open was another point she raised which could help businesses to be less targeted.
W/O Jacobs said having surveillance cameras installed was an important safety measure that businesses needed to consider. “They must strategically implement some form of entrance and exit control, and also make sure that persons can be clearly identified on camera.”
Other tips W/O Jacobs shared:
- Keep the premises well-illuminated, also on the outside.
- Take special precautionary measures at opening and closing times and do not leave only a single person responsible for opening and locking up the business.
- Take special precautions with regard to the handling and transporting of cash.
- Thoroughly screen employees and involve employees in the security planning and execution. However, it is important to also keep the danger of information leaks in mind and stick to a need-to-know basis.
- Consult experts and install or erect as many security features as possible to deter criminals.
- Ensure that all emergency numbers are available to the employees in order to report any suspicious activities or people if need be.
