The Tshwane Central cluster police have expressed concern over the increase in the number of burglaries at business premises.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said this seemed to be a tendency in almost all of the seven police stations in the cluster.
“While bigger shopping malls are working with the police to enhance their security, criminals are setting their sights on smaller, home-based businesses and businesses inside office complexes.”
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Businesses affected by crime in Pta CBD
Smaller businesses often lack proper security such as alarms, CCTV cameras and a response company.
She said burglaries could be prevented with precaution and planning.
“Therefore, if the exterior of a business appears to reflect attention to security, it can serve as a deterrent for criminals.”
She said laptops were the most common items stolen during business burglaries.
“All business people are requested to put physical security measures in place to protect laptops.”
Business owners are urged to follow these guidelines:
– Use a permanent marker or engrave the outer case of the laptop with the name of the business, address and contact number. This may increase the odds of getting it returned.
– Tie the laptop with a cable lock to a strong immovable and unbreakable object.
– Use a docking station that is permanently affixed to a desktop which has a feature that can lock the laptop securely in place.
– It is safer to lock laptops in a secure filing cabinet overnight or over weekends.
– It is important to check alarm systems regularly for failure, especially with the current load shedding schedules.
– Faulty alarms occur as a result of power outages, or the alarm can run down over weekends. Invest in a high-quality CCTV system.
– Cameras must be installed on eye level to enable good footage to assist in police investigations.
ALSO READ: Cosas pleads with businesses to help repair fence at Mamelodi school
Weilbach said it was difficult for police to patrol inside office complexes, especially during the evenings when it was all locked up.
“For that reason, it is important for tenants to liaise with one another and the building management with regards to security,” she said.
“Security officers must implement access control by keeping a record of all vehicles that are entering and exiting the premises.”
She said businesses should identify and strengthen security at weak spots such as roofs and back windows that could give easy access to criminals.
Good lighting inside and outside serves as a strong deterrence to burglaries.
“Ensure that windows and offices are locked properly after hours. Desks must not be positioned in such a way that something can be taken from the desk through an open window,” she said.
ALSO READ: Moot woman charged with perjury over ‘business robbery’
“Besides laptops, thieves look for items of value such as iPads, cellphones, wallets, cash and electrical equipment they can easily sell.
Personal belongings and valuables should be locked away during the day and also before leaving the office for home and large deposits of money should be done as soon as possible.
Opening and closing were also vulnerable times for businesses.
“Make sure that there are enough staff to mind the premises during these times. This will keep both the business and the employees safer.”
Spaza and tuck shops were also targeted because these businesses traded for longer hours.
Weilbach said it was advisable to keep the same trading hours as other businesses in the vicinity.
“Also give attention to secure parking for clients’ vehicles. It is not good for business if clients’ vehicles get stolen in front of your premises,” she said.
“Theft of motor vehicles are high where clients have to park on pavements in front of smaller businesses. Where possible, employ a car guard or security officers to look after your clients’ vehicles.”
ALSO READ: Four caught robbing Silverton business
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
