Valley View Retail Centre’s management should, in the interest of improved business and customer relations, address their car guard issue.
I have found the car guards that I have had dealings with at this centre to be problematic. They are disrespectful, facetious, insolent and unhelpful.
I have heard them pass loud, inappropriate remarks about customers within earshot of said customers. I recently watched one of these guards entertaining his enthralled colleagues with an energetic dance display.
While he was being the life and soul of the party, several cars could have been stolen. I most certainly have a sense of humour, but the unruly circus atmosphere which prevails in that parking area gives one the impression that they view their jobs and the customers as something of a joke. After the shoppers have lugged their shopping to their cars, these guards descend like vultures, arguing over who should be paid. Their behaviour verges on outright bullying.
I have resolved to rather spend my money a little further along the road. The security personnel and the car guards there are always helpful, courteous and effective. In return, it gives me pleasure to tip them generously. I’m all for job creation, but car guards would do well to remember that customers are not obliged to pay them.
* Terisel Naudé, Property Services Manager of Eris Property Group, which manages Valley View, responded:
“We have taken note of the situation and have brought this to the security company’s attention. We will monitor this and should their behaviour not change we will remove the problematic car guards from site and replace them.”
