SECUNDA – Tenants of Secunda Mall, mall management staff and other role players learned more about security on Friday, June 25.
Mr Alfred Steyn, the national general manager of Fidelity Services Group, addressed the audience and gave some insightful tips on security and spoke about the dos and don’ts during an armed robbery.
“Don’t resist the robbers, rather comply with them,” said Mr Steyn.
“Don’t look them in the eyes, remember he is also nervous, so don’t challenge him and don’t argue with him.
“I know it is difficult if you are in such a situation, but try to remain calm.
“While you are lying on the floor, try to look at his shoes, so that you can describe it later and put it into your statement.”
Mr Steyn said it is important for shopowners or employees to put as much information as possible in their statements.
If they can, victims of a robbery should also share the information about the make, model and registration number of the escape vehicles.
“It is important in any business to screen your employees and make sure that you know who the people are who work for you and that you have a copy of their ID cards for the record.”
CCTV cameras in shops can help the police and security services to note the modus operandi of robbers and thus make it easier to catch them.
Mr Steyn said smoke alarms have also helped at other malls to chase robbers away.
Security consultant and well-known ex-policeman, Mr Slang van Zyl, also addressed the audience.
He said the absence of guidance is one of three things for crime to occur and the key to successful crime prevention is an outcome-based intervention programme.
“Crime prevention is about increasing the risk for the offender,” said Mr Van Zyl.
Capt Marieta Wright of the Secunda Police spoke about crime statistics.
She said hijackings have increased in the eMbalenhle-area.
She urged motorists not to give lifts to strangers.
Shoplifting dropped, while general theft and housebreakings increased when compared to 2019.
Capt Wright said most housebreakings occur between 00:00 and 04:00. She urged residents to improve their safety measures by ensuring their house alarms and security cameras are working.
“Check your dog’s behaviour. This can also be a hint that somebody suspicious is there,” said Capt Wright.
Ms Michelle Nell, general manager at Secunda Mall, said they are currently looking at different ways to increase the security at the mall.
