The Table View police remain on high alert following a spate of robberies at spaza and smaller shops in the area.
The robberies spiked to such an extent that the Table View station commander, Col Junaid Alcock, tasked police officers to increase patrols during closing time of these shops.
“Shop owners are urged to be vigilant, and to report suspicious persons to their local neighbourhood watch, security company and police; make sure that their security cameras are in working order and all other security measures are in place.
“Also to ask their armed response companies for increased patrols during operating hours,” says Table View police spokesperson, Capt Adriana Chandler.
Chandler says shop owners are welcome to speak to their sector commander regarding security measures that can be implemented to ensure a safer working environment for patrons and staff.
Alcock has expressed his appreciation towards all role players, and the community for their efforts in making our neighbourhoods safer and is urging them to continue with their efforts.
Robbery preventions
Police and security companies are urging shop owners to take note of the following in order to prevent a robbery from taking place.
- Stay alert: Be aware of what is happening inside and around your business at all times. Act fast when seeing suspicious activity. Stay informed about local crimes so that staff can be put on high alert or added security measures can be put in place if required.
- Train your staff: It’s important to share robbery prevention and response guidelines with your staff so that they are informed. Always have at least two employees open and close the business; these times are especially prone to robbery due to low staffing and typically high amounts of cash on hand. Staff should be made aware of which information should not be revealed to inquiring minds. Staff should be encouraged to report suspicious activity and told to never try and handle a potentially dangerous situation. Regularly hold practise robbery drills so that the robbery response procedure is near automatic in the event of an actual robbery. Lastly, employees should be told to always cooperate with a robber.
- Ensure visibility: Make sure your business is well-lit on the inside and outside. Key areas include all entry-ways and windows. Burnt out bulbs should be replaced right away. Scan the area for obstacles that cast shadows at different times of the day (ie. trees). All areas of your business should be clearly visible – especially at night.
- Don’t store excess cash: Cash registers should not store large amounts of cash. Bank deposits should be made often, only during business hours and never at routine times. If robbers see your staff storing large bills in the register, consider that an invitation. In fact, more important than limiting visibility of the cash register content is maintaining the lowest possible levels of cash at all times. With low financial rewards, potential robbers are not as enticed. Large bills should be dropped into a deposit safe right away since safes are a deterrent as well.
- Install security devices: Alarm systems and security cameras should be installed and announced using signage. Do not keep security measures a secret as these can be effective deterrents.
- Use deterrence signage: Inform potential robbers of the measures that your business has taken to deter robbery.
- Install physical security measures:
Depending on the location of your business, entrances should be outfitted with deadbolt locks.
- Be an active member of your community: Befriend your neighbours. Partake in community events. These relationships cost no money and organically result in additional watchful eyes. Agree to keep an eye out for each other’s establishments.
How to handle a robbery
If the dreaded event occurs, please remember the following tips:
- Do not make any sudden moves.
- Avoid confronting, attacking, or chasing the robber.
- Do not make eye contact with the robber.
- Keep your hands visible to the robber at all times.
- Cooperate with the robber, doing as they say.
- Keep your talking to a minimum and do not volunteer information unless asked.
