Shopping centres urged to take safety precautions ahead of festive season

Brooklyn police said businesses operating from office complexes must remind their staff to lock personal belongings and valuables away when they leave the office for lunch, meetings and before leaving for home.

“Theft of laptops and cellphones from offices is a common occurrence,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.

“Consider installing a safe for laptops and other valuables. Ensure that windows and offices are locked properly after hours.”

When leaving for the holidays, Weilbach urged companies to position desks a distance away from windows to make it more difficult for criminals to steal items through windows.

She said cellphone, jewellery and clothing stores were mostly targeted by criminals.

“Cellphone retail shops and jewellery stores are advised not to keep a large amount of stock on hand. This will minimise the risk and loss during robberies or burglaries,” she said.

“Use reinforced glass or display cases to prevent smash and grab robberies.”

She warned that opening and closing times are vulnerable times for businesses, owners must make sure that there are enough staff to mind the premises during these times.

“This will keep both the business and the employees safer,” said Weilbach.

Spaza and tuck shops were also targeted because these businesses they often traded for longer hours.

Weilbach said it was advisable to keep the same trading hours as other businesses in the vicinity.

“Cash on the premises must also be reduced.”

Communities are urged to play their role by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning 10111 emergency number.

Information with regards to crime can be given to the police anonymously by phoning 08600-10111 or the My SAPS app.

Tips for businesses:

– Make eye contact with customers and clients and greet them.

– Keep a watchful eye on groups and persons who are more preoccupied with the layout of the premises, than with the merchandise.

– Report suspicious persons and circumstances in time to the SAPS or on-site security to prevent possible incidents.

– Enhance security at parking areas as it is not good for business if clients’ vehicles get stolen.

– Theft of motor vehicles are high where clients have to park on pavements.

– Where possible, employ a car guard or security officers to look after clients’ vehicles.

– Security officers and car guards must be observant of vehicles that just park without anybody getting out to do shopping or business.

– The occupants of such vehicles can be scouting the parking lot for possible opportunities for crime.

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