Midrand businesses are being urged to strengthen security measures and improve staff vigilance following a sharp rise in reported shoplifting cases across the area.

Statistics from the South African Police Service show Midrand Police Station recorded a 54.1% increase in reported shoplifting cases during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering April to June. Reported cases rose from 61 in the previous quarter to 94 during the three months, placing Midrand third in Gauteng and sixth nationally for reported shoplifting.

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Recent incidents at two local filling stations have highlighted how businesses rely on private security companies, CCTV surveillance, and panic systems to prevent losses and assist investigations.

On September 16, Ria Sebetsa’s 24/7 control room received a panic signal from a client at about 04:33 following a shoplifting incident. Operations director Dilion Maduray said armed response officers were immediately dispatched while operators gathered information.

“A suspect had entered the shop, grabbed several items from the shelves and fled with the stolen items,” said Maduray. He said officers searched the surrounding area and located a suspect on First Road, about 2km from the station, in possession of stolen merchandise valued at about R300.

Maduray said staff activated the panic system instead of confronting the suspect, who became aggressive after being noticed.

Maduray noted an increase in petty and opportunistic crimes in the area, including cellphone snatching, shoplifting, and common robbery.

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“Cellphone-snatching incidents generally occur during busier periods, particularly between 18:00 and 23:00,” he said, adding that shoplifting incidents were generally isolated and opportunistic. He advised employees and members of the public not to confront suspected criminals.

A separate incident at a Waterfall filling station on September 14 demonstrated the role CCTV plays in identifying suspected repeat offenders.

Hawkeye Security Solutions director Rajan Pillay said security officers and station employees apprehended an alleged repeat shoplifter at the corner of Le Roux Avenue and Bekker Road.

Pillay said CCTV footage allegedly revealed a recurring pattern over a month, where a customer spent extended periods inside the store, paying for airtime while placing other merchandise into a bag. Security officers monitored the individual on September 14 before approaching her outside the store, where unpurchased items were allegedly discovered.

Johannesburg district corporate communication spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane confirmed that a shoplifting case was opened at Midrand Police Station following the September 14 incident.

Tshetlhane said a 39-year-old woman was arrested and appeared in court on September 15, with investigations continuing. The matter was postponed to later in September.

Tshetlhane had not confirmed whether an arrest was made in connection with the September 16 incident.

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