Business robbers make bank
The jamming of security systems and devices is also a common tactic used to block the signals that go to the security company
Security professionals caution that business robberies are more often than not executed with careful planning by organised crime syndicates who collect as much information about the target as is possible.
Information about the amount of cash and the general what, when and how the cash is protected is gleaned from within the business either by observation or by the help of employees or contractors, and in some cases, both.
It is a commonly held view in the security industry that more than 90% of all attacks on business involve voluntary or involuntary participation from the inside.
Armed reaction companies suggest that businesses should make sure there is more than one panic button with quick, easy access of armed response on site.
The jamming of security systems and devices is also a common tactic used to block the signals that go to the security company.
The use of an alarm system connected to both a radio transmitter and landline could counter this.
On September 3, a cashier working at a store in Springbok Street was helping a man with a quotation when a second unknown man entered the store.
“The guy who came in while I was helping the first man immediately drew a gun and pointed it at me. The man who I was helping went and stood next to the second man – and suddenly it dawned on me that they were in cahoots. They demanded to be given all of the money in the till, as well as my phone and watch, and told me directly that they’d shoot me in the face if I did not comply,” the cashier retold, “What choice did I have? It was my life on the line. I had to listen to them and give them everything.”
On September 4, a man entered a café in Steenkamp Street and ordered R20 worth of French fries.
The man then went to wait outside. Whilst the employees were preparing his order, the man re-entered the shop – and this time he was armed.
He demanded that all of the employees go into the kitchen.
A second man entered the store and helped the first to check the employees for any valuables and to empty the tills.
Thereafter, the two men locked the employees in the kitchen and left.
On September 7, a business at the corner of Mandela Street in the Central Business District (CBD) had closed for the day.
On the inside, a manager was busy paying employees in cash when suddenly three men stormed into the premises.
All three of the men were armed with silver pistols, and demanded to be given the money in the room.
Wisely, the manager complied, and the three thugs made off with the cash.
