DEAR Editor,-
A couple of months ago I parked my car at Shelly Centre and locked it using the remote. When I came back, I immediately sensed something was not quite right. The moment I opened the car, it began making strange noises and wouldn’t lock. Fortunately I had nothing valuable in the car on that day.
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I phoned our VW dealer and was told bring the car in. Throughout the drive, the locking system made strange noises. At VW, they tried to unscramble the locking system, but I had to leave it there. I was subsequently advised by VW to use only the key to lock my door as there are ‘apps’ that criminals use to jam systems using cellphones.
Recently I went to Southcoast Mall, parked at one entrance and then moved closer to another, using only the key. Back home I used the remote to lock the car, but the following day when I inserted the key it would not go in. I tried numerous times, but eventually (reluctantly) used the remote.
When I tried to lock it later with the key, I noticed something inside the keyhole. I sent the dealer a message at 7.20pm to report the tampering and took the car back the next day where they found a nail inserted in the keyhole.
So, had I unwittingly gone back to Southcoast Mall, they would simply have jammed the car knowing it couldn’t be locked with the key.
Why do both shopping centres spend exorbitant amounts on various displays, but cannot install cameras in parking areas to ensure the safety of patrons’ vehicles? Southcoast Mall management and tenants park their vehicles behind the centre, guarded by a security officer.
One person told us: ‘Twice I have been to Southcoast Mall and was unable to lock the vehicle so I left and now totally avoid the place. Security were not helpful and said they could do nothing.” Another said “Two friends had cars stolen and the car guards shrugged and said they were afraid of the ‘tzotzis’.” Another woman reported their vehicle had been remote-jammed at 4.15pm on the same day I had the nail inserted and thieves took a laptop, diary, cables, ID documents and money.
At management, I overheard a call to the police about two nails that had been found in other cars doors. We did our own investigation and parked my car with two others in close proximity to observe what happened.
The suspicious behaviour of three men was reported to management. While security questioned two, the third (who was busy on a device) became edgy when he realised they had been watched. He disappeared behind a wall and the police were asked to assist.
Surely cameras would be the answer? Personally I would prefer paid parking. But perhaps there should be a poll to see what others think. Cameras would also assist car guards and could be used as proof or evidence.
RELUCTANT SHOPPER
SOUTHCOAST MALL RESPONDS:
I was very alarmed to hear that there was a possible car-jamming at the Southcoast Mall and we have looked into the report at length. We have three jamming detection devices at the mall, which work very well. They also keep records of possible jamming for a long period and nothing showed for that day. The jamming device was in the row next to their car, but never went off. When I had a meeting I could see all the possible jammings (which included our testing) and could understand if the jamming device was far away and never picked up anything, however it was in the row right next to their car.
The car attendant in that area has been at the mall since the day it opened (12 years) and we have never had a situation with him – he is actually one of our main men.
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I do understand one has to be careful with car attendants but we request police clearances on all our staff.
Thank you again for your mail as we do take every situation very seriously and look into any possible reports.
JAYNE MUNRO
Centre Manager, Southcoast Mall
SHELLY CENTRE RESPONDS:
We have discussed the matter with the complainant and explained from a management point of view the reasons for having car guards, as well as our inability (due to infrastructure) to have a paid parking area. She replied that she was satisfied with our response and we have offered further assistance.
Our response was: We are sorry to learn about your experience both at Southcoast Mall and Shelly Centre recently in terms of your vehicle’s security.
Car-jamming and theft out of motor vehicles is unfortunately an ongoing problem at all retail malls. Shelly Centre has excellent on-site car guards and centre security, who work closely with the local Saps to crack down on criminals around the centre and in neighbouring communities.
We continually strive to update security measures in order to be proactive in terms of the crime happening in the country and to ensure that our customers enjoy a safe and secure shopping experience whilst spearheading various security initiatives.
Security measures in place at the mall are implemented to prevent crime, rather than combat it. Working in synergy with the police, and private security in patrols of the mall, is designed to act as a deterrent to anyone with criminal intent. This show of force will hopefully send a clear message to offenders and ultimately prevent crime.
Shelly Centre has recently investigated introducing paid parking, but were faced with structural limitations and have therefore postponed this project for the foreseeable future. We value your feedback, and trust the above gives you a sense of comfort.
KATE HULLEY
Marketing Manager, Shelly Centre
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