Robust measures to curb the drug scourge at a shopping centre
NORTH RIDING – The centre management of the centre is given an ultimatum to address tenants' problems and eradicate the scourge of drug trade.
Tenants at the Banbury Cross Village are willing to preserve their businesses but the ongoing scourge of the drug trade is diminishing their hopes.
On 29 June the relevant stakeholders held a security cluster meeting to address this problem and find solutions to eradicate the scourge.
Tenants complained that their businesses were depreciating due to the problem of the ongoing drug trade right on their doorsteps. They also insisted that major proactive steps should be planned and implemented by the centre’s owner and the authorities.
Despite the drug problem, some of the issues raised by tenants include people loitering at the centre and intimidation by alleged drug dealers.
Apparently, the drug dealers are arrogant when approached and operate mostly in the evening.
Tenants have, however, agreed with the landlord and the law enforcers that they would work together to solve this problem that has been plaguing, not only shop owners but also their customers over the past years.
Victor Siwela from the Xplorenation Security Company indicated that there was a certain period when this problem was solved.
“The previous owner spent about R1.5 million to solve the problem,” he said. He further explained that there was a time his guards were arrested and he had to pay the medical bill for alleged drug traders. “My guards spent about three weeks in prison after a scuffle with the drug traders,” he said.
Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau said the landlord should change his attitude. “The landlord is just there to make money and this needs to change,” he said.
He further explained that the approach of the centre management was wrong and they should not just accommodate everyone in the centre. “The centre management should understand their duties,” he said.
The new owners took over the centre last year December. Jin Tsay from the management office agreed that they will meet again next Wednesday to see the suggestions from the tenants and plan accordingly to eradicate the scourge.
Details: Banbury Shopping Centre, 011 027 4435.
Related articles:
High-visibility operation nets some criminals
New security confronts drugs in Banbury Cross Village
