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Crime trend warning for east business owners
Business owners in Pretoria east are being cautioned to be on the alert as crime-targeting businesses are becoming a trend.
Security company Complete Security Intelligence (CSI) warns business parks mainly with solar systems to be wary of break-ins.
CEO Dana Bloem said: “We have also noted that the thieves target equipment such as solar. The thieves look from the road to see if the businesses have solar panels. They very cleverly disarm the security alarm by removing the radio transmitting system through the roof.”
He said the thieves mostly cut through sink roofs to reach the whole solar system and steal the batteries and inverter, which is very costly.
Bloem said restaurants in the east are also still being targeted as thieves continue snatching cellphones.
He said with cellphone snatching, criminals use the deceptive modus operandi of pretending to be e-hailing drivers, only to later resort to criminality.
“Recently, two teenagers in Menlo Park were victims of this after coming out from a fast food outlet.”
He warned business owners, especially of restaurants, to exercise caution.
Alpha Security Forum in the east has also warned businesses about burglaries.
Aris Ruyter from the company said business burglaries in the east are without a doubt on the rise, the targets often being houses that have been converted into businesses.
In March, Fidelity ADT issued a warning to all business owners to be on high alert, particularly those in the restaurant and mobile services sectors, as it seemed that the burglary trend had resurfaced.
Charnel Hattingh, ADT Group Head of Marketing and Communications, said crime syndicates were increasingly targeting high-value assets such as expensive catering equipment, coffee machines, industrial blenders, and generators.
“Establishments are targeted between 03:00 and 05:00, particularly mobile/container restaurants. It’s crucial that business owners take proactive measures to protect their assets,” she said.
Hattingh stressed that business owners needed to be vigilant and store valuable assets out of sight, ensuring they were secure.
“Make sure the CCTV is working and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity. For mobile business, look into tracking devices for your high-value items.”
She said it was recommended that at least two staff members should always carry hidden panic buttons.
“Visitors to these outlets must also be especially vigilant. Generally, the suspects are after the assets (till money) they came for and not out to rob the customers, but it is still a high-alert situation.”
Hattingh added: “These are challenging times, but the safety of your patrons and business assets should never be compromised.
“We recommend that business owners consult their security providers to do a full risk assessment to ensure they are fully protected against this type of crime.”
Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk said business robberies and burglaries in his ward are currently decreasing.
“All good thanks to the Lakes Security Forum for their visibility and swift response, crime is slowly being dealt with,” said De Klerk.
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