Vigilance needed as robberies increase

AT least nine shops in Nelson Mandela Bay have been robbed in the last three days – about one every eight hours. In the wake of this, police and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber are warning businesses to beef up security and be more vigilant.

Kevin Hustler, the chamber's chief executive officer, said yesterday: "We are moving into the festive season and traditionally we see business robberies increase at this time."

The increase in criminal elements was generally from outside the province, Hustler said.

"The criminal element is well organised and sophisticated, which means that business owners need to harden their targets to make it more difficult for criminals to operate."

Apart from the usual security measures, including a visible security presence, operational CCTV systems and increased vigilance, Hustler also advised staff to lock up in pairs and take extra caution when closing on the weekend.

"Many retailers use drop boxes as a method of collection of monies, which has less risk attached to it. Companies that deposit cash at banks must ensure that they are extremely vigilant, altering routes and not following the same routine every day," he said.

The robbery spate started on Monday when a butchery in Swartkops was robbed and two suspected robbers arrested.

Also on the same day, two men robbed the Good Hope Shop in Bafana Street, Soweto-on-Sea.

On Tuesday morning, two shop owners were shot in separate incidents. Maruf Ahmed, 27, was shot in the neck when three gunmen tried to rob his shop in Armstrong Street, Malabar, at about 10am.

About two hours later, Kecsela Samuel, 24, was robbed and shot in the ear at his shop in Missionvale.

On the same day, two gunmen robbed another spaza shop in 20th Avenue, Kamesh, at about 1pm.

In Kwazakhele, the Somali shop owner of Kick Off spaza in Adele Street, was shot in the stomach in a robbery. The suspects fled.

Hours later, a shop in Mendi Road, New Brighton, was robbed by four gunmen who held the store owner at gunpoint.

At 11pm, a shop in Avalon Crescent, Gelvandale, was robbed by two gunmen.

Then, at about 5am yesterday, the Kwikspar in Rink Street, Central, was robbed by a gunman who is believed to have had accomplices waiting outside.

Police spokesman Captain Johan Rheeder yesterday appealed to both business and homeowners to beef up their security.

"We are asking all business to revise their security measures. If anyone suspicious is seen, alert 10111 so we can investigate and potentially prevent a robbery," he said. - Gareth Wilson