Victorian Theatres rocked by armed robbery
Although no customers were caught in the robbery, management of the cinema have adopted more stringent security measures.
While movie-goers munched down on popcorn, the management of the Victorian Theatres were battling to keep calm in front of three gun-toting robbers.
At approximately 9.15pm on Sunday, May 10, three men walked into the theatre and requested the bathroom.
According to Victorian Theatres manager, Karin van der Mescht, the three men calmly entered the premises during the final movie screening.
“Most of the staff had already left at the time. There was a security guard and the night manager on-duty.”
One of the men apparently turned to look at the coming soon movies, but when the guard turned his back on the suspect, he drew a gun and held the security guard up.
The two other men joined, and together they tackled the main office.
Holding the guard hostage, the three men hid while the guard asked the night-manager to open the doors.
The moment the doors were opened, the suspects allegedly attacked and subdued the two employees by tying them up.
The suspects managed to get away with the daily takings.
“The suspects calmly left the building and a car-guard spotted them, but did not suspect a thing, as the suspects were extremely calm and relaxed throughout,” explained Mrs van der Mescht.
Fortunately, the security guard managed to free himself and soon the area was swarming with police and security officials.
Unfortunately, no suspects were arrested. However, the Victorian Theatres management are adamant that a key suspect will soon be arrested.
“We have now already begun preparations to ensure something like this will never happen again.”
Mrs van der Mescht explained this was the first time an incident like this had occurred on the property.
“We pride ourselves with providing a safe area for our customers and patrons to visit us. Since we took over the management of the cinema, we have never experienced any crime-related issues. We have never had even incident of a car break-in.”
She said the incident has come as a shock to management, because the cinema prided itself on having a strong relationship with the community.
The new rules set out by management to ensure security was not breached, is a reworked security system. The cinema gates also close from the start of the 8pm movie.
“We are grateful none of our patrons were caught in robbery. We want to thank the Newcastle community for coming together in its support of the cinema.”
She further thanked Ithemba and Magenta Security, and the Newcastle police for their timeous responses and extensive detective work at the scene to ensure no stone remained uncovered.
The vehicle used in the gateway is believed to have been a red car with GP registration plates, and was seen on the roads near the cinema between 9 and 10pm.
Any residents who might have seen the vehicle are requested to contact the police or theatre with information.
