Local business owners not only stress due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the rise of business robberies is another part that shows worrying signs.
On Sunday, January 17 a local business in Dan Pienaar Street was the target of two unknown males. Allegedly a worker saw two males entering the workplace. One took out his money and asked about the business.
The two men then wanted to leave when arriving at the door, but one came running back armed and demanded money.
One of the employees that day, who chooses to stay anonymous said: “One came running back with a firearm demanded us to get down, and he then asked where the money is. Everybody did as he said, and I showed him where the money is. After taking the money and a cell phone, he fired a shot into the floor and something went into my leg.”
The victims left the building with cash and the cell phone after the shot was fired.
The day before on Saturday, January 16 another business on the Bethal Road was targeted. Allegedly two security guards were approached by two males who pointed them with firearms. The two guards were tied up by the suspects and left in the guardhouse.
After the suspects left the scene and the guards managing to free themselves, they found that the suspects stole four tyres and a welding machine.
Brigadier Sifuso Cele the station commander of Witbank SAPS encouraged business owners to implement the following preventative measures to prevent their business from being robbed and also to pro-actively prepare themselves what to do in a business robbery.
He said: “Change times and routes of travel for bank deposits and avoid using marked ‘money bags’ that make it obvious to criminals you are carrying cash. Always keep a low balance in the cash register and to bank excess money or keep in a safe or deposit it as soon as possible.”
What to in a business robbery:
- Co-operate with the robber for your safety and the safety of others.
- Comply with a suspect’s demands as resistance can cost you your life or the life of others.
- Try to remain calm and think clearly.
- Form mental notes of the robber’s physical description.
- Observe other signs and notes important for the police to create an identikit.
- If you have a remote panic alarm and can reach it without being noticed, use it.
- Remember that criminals are nervous just like you and any upset in their plans can result in them making stupid mistakes.
- If your business is robbed, don’t talk except to answer the robber’s questions.
- Avoid staring directly at the robber.
- Prevent surprises and keep your hands in sight at all times.
- Avoid any sudden movements.
- Tell the robber if someone is coming out of the back room or vault or working in another area of your business. This can save their lives.
- Don’t chase or follow the robber out of your place of business.
- Leave the job of catching the suspects to the police.
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