Businesses are targeted the most, especially at the end of the month. Three business robberies occurred within days in the past week.
Three suspects allegedly tied up two employees during a business robbery. The robbery occurred on Friday, July 29 in Klipfontein when three suspects posing as seeking assistance walked into the store. One of the suspects allegedly threatened the complainant with a firearm, tied him up with cable ties, and searched him. Another colleague who walked from the toilet was also apparantly tied up.
It is believed that the suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money and cellphones.
On Saturday, July 30 at Elpaso, two suspects allegedly robbed a supermarket. One of the suspect’s allegedly pointed a firearm at the complainant and ordered him to lie on the floor. It is believed that the suspects fled with an undisclosed sum of money, meat, and cellphones.
Another business robbery occurred in Ben Fleur on Sunday, July 31, when a customer who came in to install a screen protector, turned out to be a criminal. It is believed that when the suspect had to pay, he pointed a firearm at the complainant, and then the other suspects entered the store, which was also armed. Cable ties appears to be criminals tools, as the complainant was allegedly left tied up after the suspects fled with the stolen cellphones.
Captain Eddie Hall, communications officer at the Witbank Police Station drafted a few crime prevention tips for businesses:
1) Stay alert
Be aware of what is happening inside and around your business at all times. Act fast with suspicious activity. Stay informed about local crimes so that staff can be put on high alert or added security measures can be put in place, if required.
2) Train your staff
It’s important to share robbery prevention and response guidelines with your staff so that they are informed. Always have at least two employees open and close the business; these times are especially prone to robbery due to low staffing and typically high amounts of cash on hand. Staff should be made aware of which information should not be revealed to inquiring minds. Staff should be encouraged to report suspicious activity and told to never try and handle a potentially dangerous situation.
3) Ensure visibility
Make sure your business is well-lit on the inside and outside. Key areas include all entry-ways and windows. Burnt out bulbs should be replaced right away. Scan the area for obstacles that cast shadows at different times of the day (i.e. trees). All areas of your business should be clearly visible ‒ especially at night.
4) Do not store excess cash in the register
Cash registers should not store large amounts of cash. Bank deposits should be made often, only during business hours and never at routine times. If robbers see your staff storing large bills in the register, consider that an invitation. In fact, more important than limiting visibility of the cash register content is maintaining the lowest possible levels of cash at all times. With low financial rewards, potential robbers are not as enticed.
5) Install security devices
Alarm systems and security cameras should be installed and announced using signage. Do not keep security measures a secret as these can be effective deterrents.
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