Police urge business owners to be vigilant

Bronkhorstspruit police are urging business owners to be vigilant at all times following a recent spike of business robberies.

Theft and robberies usually take place when there’s a lack of planning for emergency situations and when poor cash handling is involved, said Bronkhorstspruit police spokesperson Constable Munyadziwa Ramovha.

“Without the right security measures, many businesses unknowingly make criminal situations convenient for robbers. With improved security technology available, robbery prevention has become much easier,” she said.

“If one encounters an armed robber we advise that you don’t resist, give up your property and don’t give up your life,” Ramovha said.

On Monday, around 22:00, a church in Bronkhorstspruit was robbed.

The complainant was patrolling the church premises when he suddenly noticed three men wearing masks.

“One of the men took out a firearm before taking his cellphone. The suspect then pushed the complainant and took him inside the church where he tied his hands and legs up with a shoelace,” Ramovha said.

The suspects took cash, an amplifier and an Acer laptop, all valued around R95 000.

Ramovha also raised an issue regarding motorists getting robbed at night.

Last Friday around 21:00, a complainant was robbed while travelling from Johannesburg to Witbank.

“While travelling on the N4 his truck had a mechanical failure. He had to stop to fix the truck with the help of his co-worker. While fixing it, four suspects appeared from nowhere with a firearm. They instructed them to lie down, then tied them up with shoelaces.”

Ramovha said their cellphones were taken.

Here are some of the top tips for enhancing security in your store:

– Remember to lock up.

– Install security alarms.

– Never leave any employee alone.

– Have security cameras.

– Keep little cash in the store.

– Make sure your store is well-lit.

– Hire the right staff.

– Be careful when making bank deposits.

– Keep up with crime-related news.

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