Caution over spike in business burglaries
Business owners are urged to be aware as robberies increase in Clairwood and Jacobs.
A CRIME alert has been issued by Brighton Beach SAP after a spike in business robberies, one of which left a security guard shot.
Police have noted an increase in business robberies in the Brighton Beach policing area, specifically in Clairwood and Jacobs.
In one of these instances, a security guard on duty was shot, but survived.
Most of the attacks happen in the morning by groups of between four and eight people on foot, though cars are used occasionally. Firearms are used and the sporadic use of balaclavas has been noted. Perpetrators have been known to steal vehicles as getaway cars.
Communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux offers the following advice to business owners to reduce risk:
* Install security features, such as CCTV cameras, strategically placed at entrances, exits, cash points and in parking lots.
* Use fixed and roaming panic alarm systems.
* Large businesses or factories should not keep large amounts of cash on premises or a drop safe should be installed.
* Staff members must be conditioned to look out for suspicious people and immediately alert management.
* Notice should be taken of the appearance of perpetrators including gender, race, clothing and facial features and the colour, make and model of suspicious vehicles, along with possible insignia and number of occupants.
* Staff members and especially security officers should not challenge these perpetrators, rather comply with their requests.
