Brighton Beach SAPS warn against business crime

POLICE in the Brighton Beach branch have noted a dramatic increase in business-related crimes, especially burglaries and robberies. Businesses in the area are urged to be cautious of burglaries predominantly occurring between 9pm and 9am with the Bluff and Clairwood areas being mostly affected.

Following the spate of these crimes, the Brighton Beach Police provided guidelines to business owners on how to minimise the risk of falling prey to these crimes.

Secure the business premises: 

• – Ensure the name of your business premises and building number is clearly visible, to ensure prompt response by police and security companies in case of an emergency or for investigation purposes.
• – Ensure sufficient lighting after hours.
• – Install surveillance cameras.
• – Install an alarm system which includes sensors and or laser detection.
• – Install a panic alarm system inside the business premises as well as inside the security gate office.
• – Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked when closing your premises at the end of the business day.
• – Dogs are great early warning systems. Ensure that your security dog is allowed to move freely on your premises after hours.
• – Ensure that wire fencing is secure. Ensure that damaged areas are repaired without delay. Place additional security measures on the crossbar of wire fencing like barb wire or utilise electric fencing.
• – Ensure that foot patrols are conducted hourly by security officials.
• – Ensure that personnel and security officials are informed not to interfere with the crime scene, such as not to disturb physical evidence. It can hamper SAPS investigations.
• – When approached by a sales representative or technician from a security company who wishes to compile an assessment, ensure that they identify themselves with their Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) card.

Preventing a robbery at business premises:

• – Avoid the accumulation of large amounts of cash in cash registers by employing drop-safes.
• – Keep lines of observation in the business open.
• – Install surveillance cameras strategically and implement some form of entrance and exit control. Make sure people can be clearly identified.
• – Keep the premises well-illuminated all around.
• – Take special precautionary measures at opening and closing times and alternate people responsible for opening and locking up the business.
• – Take special precautions with the handling and transporting of cash.
• – Thoroughly screen employees and involve employees in the security planning and execution, but also keep the danger of information leaks in mind and stick to a need-to-know basis.
• – Devise a security plan, including ways to raise alarm in the case of emergency and procedures to follow if suspicious individuals approach or enter the premises.
• – Consolidate efforts to enhance security by involving neighbouring businesses in mutual assistance.
• – Consult experts and install or erect as many security features as possible to deter criminals.

Cash protection techniques: 

• – It is a fact that most armed robberies in shops and department stores take place with information provided by employees or contractors working in that store.
• – Very few organised armed robbers will risk their lives or face the risk of being apprehended if they are not well informed and know exactly when the cash is available, and where it is.

Bearing the above in mind and by following the techniques, armed robberies in stores and businesses will be drastically reduced.

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