‘Grab and runs’ on the rise in CBD
Managers of various retail stores in Harding Street have fallen victim to these grab and runs
Over the past months ‘grab and runs’ have increased mostly within the Central Business District (CBD). ‘Grab and runs’ are acts of theft that are carried out by entering a store, grabbing an object and running out of the premises without paying for it.
This ‘new style of shoplifting‘ is on the rise, targeting mainly retail stores. During the past weeks it’s being reported more frequently and the culprits are said to have grown bold.
Store managers can identify the culprits; who have been described as a gang, which operates in pairs. While one makes the grab, the other will be pacing back and forth outside.
It’s been said that their ‘operations’ begin as early as 8am each day. Managers of various retail stores in Harding Street have fallen victim to these grab and runs and have come up with an NE Shoplifter’s alert group.
One of the managers who would like to remain anonymous due to the fear of victimisation said:
“I feel helpless and unsafe, especially as we are approaching the festive season.”
She added that she would appreciate more visible police patrols and encouraged locals to be very careful, especially when shopping in Harding Street. Neighbouring managers shared these sentiments.
Police spokesperson Captain Charmaine Struwig explained that police resources are deployed in terms of a Crime Threat Analysis, which is, amongst other things, based on crimes reported to police.
“The non-reporting of cases by the community can give rise to a situation where a distorted picture of where crime is happening is created. Therefore the reporting of cases should be done as and when they happen.
“Businesses and members of the community can link up with police via the Community Policing Forum, which creates a communication channel between the public and police where issues of concern such as those mentioned can be discussed along with ways of addressing the particular problem together.
“The community should continue to report any suspicious activity or persons to police and anyone who is unhappy with the service of the police is welcome to address it immediately with the Shift Commander on duty in the Community Service Centre at that time or they may direct their complaint to the Station Commander,” added Captain Charmaine Struwig.
