Suspects, who allegedly robbed a cosmetics store in Morningside and stole perfume, have hit a premium sneaker store, Shelflife in Rosebank but escaped empty-handed.
Captain Gerald Steyn from the Rosebank Police Station confirmed that an incident of a business break-in had been reported.
David Davey, general manager at Shelflife Joburg said the armed robbers, who allegedly targeted The Wedge the day before at 4.30am, have hit again. “This is the third attempt on Shelflife in the past six weeks.”
The previous attempt was reported in the article, Five men allegedly rob sneaker store in Rosebank, Rosebank Killarney Gazette, Week ending 20 October.
“This is a syndicate of four armed men who are targeting high-end luxury goods for resale. The same vehicles were used in this morning’s attempt, a Ford Ranger Club Cab and a Golf 7,” said Davey, who added that the company, 24/7 Security Services, were guarding the Trumpet Building on Keyes Avenue and reacted immediately. The patrolling guard and the control-room monitoring via cameras hit the alarm.
“Despite this, the guard was pushed to the floor at gunpoint while another suspect smashed through the glass door to steal items inside.”
Davey stated that an armed response vehicle arrived in under two minutes. “The suspects fled, firing at the officer as they went. The officer returned fire. No one was injured but the suspects’ cars hit a traffic light as they fled.”
Shelflife CEO Nick Herbert said, “These guys have no fear and no conscience. I am extremely grateful to 24/7 Security Services and their guards who risked their lives to prevent any stock being stolen. I am truly grateful for their superb and rapid response.”
Herbert is prepared to offer a significant reward for anyone with information resulting in an arrest.
Geoff Shapiro, operations director of 24/7 Security Services, commented, “I am glad that after the previous attempt we added extra resources to this address. We also advised Shelflife to remove as many valuables from the front of the shop each night,” said Shapiro.
“This gang is targeting luxury goods shops in shopping malls between the hours of 4am and 6am. We urge all security companies and centre management to be on high alert at these times.”
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