Robbers make off with cash and clothing from retailer

BURGLARS escaped with a large amount of cash, clothing to the value of R15 000 and a generator from Pep Stores at the Vryheid Plaza on Monday night.

Terrance Groening, Pep’s internal auditor, said the robbers had gained access to the store through the roof and must have been in the store for quite some time in order to have been able to cut through the safe.

Staff only realised that a crime had been committed when they arrived at work on Tuesday morning and they discovered the security gate at the back of the store had been broken.

“We think they broke through the security gate to escape once they were done,” said Mr Groening.

Mr Groening added that the store would be beefing up its security measures ahead of the ‘silly season’ to ensure that this sort of thing does not happen again.

Vryheid SAPS has issued a firm warning that businesses should avoid keeping large amounts of cash on the premises and should rather arrange for cash to be collected and taken off-site for safe-keeping more frequently during the busy festive period.

Business owners should encourage staff to be observant and to watch for suspicious people or vehicles around the business, especially at opening and closing time. Also be wary of people wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, such as heavy coats during warm weather.