Springs SAPS fights organised crime targeting shopping centres
Springs police members were deployed at shopping malls and complexes as part of their approach to improve visibility, enhance policing, and curb various crimes that tend to spike during the festive season.
Springs SAPS members were deployed at shopping complexes and malls around Springs to decrease the possibility of shoppers becoming victims of crime.
The visits to the shopping facilities were part of an ongoing campaign during the festive season, with the highlight being the combined efforts by the Springs SAPS members to ensure the safety of the community and visitors.
Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe, station commander of the Springs SAPS, ensured that the police delegation at Springs Mall implemented adequate security measures.
According to Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, the only case that was reported was a retail store burglary.
“Upon receiving a call that suspects were caught stealing at a retail store, we swiftly responded. The suspects were detained and arrested immediately,” said Tshabalala.
“This was a case of an inside job.”
In past experiences, the modus operandi of the robbers was to enter shops posing as customers. However, with police visibility, such cases were impossible.
“Looking at past cases, our festive deployment had been reduced.
“There were no serious cases like customers being robbed or followed from ATMs because police members were present at all times.
“It was a fruitful encounter and our station commander was happy and impressed that our police members were responding positively to making sure that our community was safe,” said Tshabalala.
The Springs SAPS will continue to work with shopping complexes and malls to provide a safe environment for shoppers.
ALSO READ: Parents frustrated by school admission process
ALSO READ: 2023 promises to be a good year for MachKnitz
