Business robberies rife in the Moot
“Be aware of these trends and never think that you will never be a victim of crime because it can happen to anyone.”
A Moot security company urged residents and businesses to be cautious after two recent robberies in the area.
On 29 June, an unknown amount of suspects robbed a fast food outlet in the Moot.
“The suspects fled the scene in a white Quantum minibus, with two of our reaction officers hot on their tail in Soutpansberg Road,” said Kilnerpark Security spokesperson Ancelize van der Kooi.
“They drove at a very high speed and fired several shots at our reaction officers.”
Unfortunately, Van der Kooi said, they lost track of the vehicle in Eersterust and the robbers managed to escape.
No injuries were reported.
On 24 June, six men, all armed with handguns, hijacked a Ford Ranger courier vehicle.
“Six men, all armed with handguns, hijacked a Ford Ranger courier vehicle. They drove to Caley and Shilling streets where they offloaded the stock onto a white Nissan NV350,” she said.
“There were cellphones inside the 13 boxes.”
She said the driver and crew were found locked in the back of the vehicle.
READ MORE: West area a hotspot for these crimes
Van der Kooi urged residents and business owners to remain vigilant.
“Courier vehicles are also being targeted, which is why the sender, as well as the receiver of a package, should be aware of their surroundings,” she said.
She also provided several safety guidelines for businesses to keep in mind.
“Always keep doors to the premises locked, especially the side doors,” she said.
She said if it was not possible to keep all doors locked, businesses should at least attempt to restrict entrance to the shop or premises.
“It is also a good idea to invest in a panic button, whether it be one with an alarm or a silent panic button – both of these options have negative as well as positive reactions,” she said.
Van der Kooi said business owners also had to be vigilant towards sudden strange behaviour from clients.
READ MORE: Spike of these crimes in the Moot
She said they also had to try their best to keep as less as possible cash on the premises.
“Keeping a lot of money on the premises can make you a target,” she said.
She said business owners, as well as residents, should never repeat the same routine in a row.
“Take different routes back home and do not do the same things each day,” she said.
She said it was also important that residents, including business owners, know about the different crime trends in the area.
“There are so many platforms, not even mentioning our Facebook page, where residents share their personal experiences regarding crime,” she said.
“Be aware of these trends and never think that you will never be a victim of crime because it can happen to anyone.”
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