One week after a north centre lays off car guards, vehicle is stolen
The residents are questioning the efficiency of the cameras after a vehicle was allegedly stolen from the centre’s parking lot.
A theft of a car a week after a local shopping centre replaced car guards with security cameras has sparked community outrage.
Blaauw Village shopping centre on Ben Viljoen Street in Pretoria North recently replaced 12 car guards with what is referred to as “new generation security cameras”.
However around 12:30 on March 5, just one week after the car guards were dismissed, a blue VW Polo was stolen from the centre parking lot.
Tshwane district police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk confirmed the incident saying a case was registered with Pretoria North police.
This incident has angered the residents and shoppers have reported feeling uneasy about solely relying on cameras to keep the parking lot secure.
Rekord reached out to City Property Administration, which manages the centre following the theft.
City Property Administration MD Jeffrey Wapnick said he understood the community concerns and is currently evaluating the camera set-up to ensure the best coverage of the area.
“The transition from car guards to surveillance cameras was made with careful consideration.”
Wapnick acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding potential increased criminal activity.
“Our security team is working diligently to assess and enhance security measures to mitigate any perceived risks. Community safety remains our top priority,” Wapnick said.
He said the company was actively developing and implementing a comprehensive security plan to strengthen safety at Blaauw Village.
“This includes a thorough review of camera placements, increased security patrols, and collaboration with local law enforcement. We are committed to taking decisive actions to address the community’s concerns.”
He said the company understands the recent change impacted the residents, its goal is to improve safety and assures them it is dedicated to creating a secure environment.
Previously City Property Administration said the centre was taking the shoppers very seriously, hence it introduced a new generation CCTV system that offers improved safety, quicker reaction times and monitors all the areas all the time.
The built-in AI software picks up suspicious people, questionable activity and trends, and alerts the guards on the ground immediately.
The company said it will continue to work with its security provider along with law enforcement to ensure the centre meets the challenges it faces.
It said that a concern was raised that some car guards at the centre do not have the necessary skills and expertise to perform the security function and are not registered with PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). They were hence told to stop operating from the premises.
Resident Justice Pretorius, who has experience in the police and security forces, questioned the efficacy of the cameras saying they sometimes could not provide the same level of security as a human.
Pretorius said the car guards provided general assistance including helping disabled shoppers park.
He said there hadn’t been a car theft in the area in more than 15 years and attributed this to the efficiency of the car guards.
AfriForum North chairperson Quentin Meyer said he was disappointed in the centre.
“The car guards are taking care of their families, trying to make an honest living and all that was taken away from them.”
He said AfriForum North was actively helping them find new employment.
“So far we managed to get a job for four of the 12 guards, but hopefully all of them will be employed and be able to feed their families soon.”
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