Crime alert for Durban business owners and restaurateurs

Blue Security has warned restaurateurs and business owners to be vigilant following a spate of armed robberies across the city in recent weeks.
Blue Security operations director Brian Jackson said 19 incidents of house breaking and armed robbery had been reported at businesses across the city in suburbs from Westmead, Westville, Durban North and Morningside to the Berea, Clairwood and the Bluff over the past ten days.
Jackson said housebreaking incidents at business premises often occurred early in the morning before 7am when gangs forced open gates and doors to gain entry, while armed robbers tended to strike restaurants, shops and other businesses around opening and closing times. “While most people are winding down and preparing for the holidays, criminals remain highly active and are looking for opportunities to break into businesses and to rob staff and managers. A common tactic is for gangs to arrive just before closing time, posing as potential customers, before pulling out firearms and holding up the staff,” Jackson said.
Jackson advised business owners and managers to minimise the amount of cash kept on the premises, and to put up signs warning criminals that cash is not kept on site. “Be sure to regularly bank cash, always varying the times that you visit the bank to avoid criminals following you and robbing you on the way there as this is another common modus operandi. If possible maximise the use of EFT payments,” Jackson said.
We also remind business owners to brief staff on safety and security measures, and to ensure that any new casual staff hired for the busy festive season are aware of what to do in an emergency. “Be especially vigilant when opening up the business and closing at night, because criminals often stake out their victims before they strike. If you notice any suspicious activity and suspect that criminals are watching your business, alert your security company, providing them with a description of the individuals or vehicle. It’s better to take a drive around the block if you feel wary of a vehicle or individual walking near the premises, than to open up and take the risk of being hijacked or robbed,” Jackson said.
Jackson advised restaurateurs and business owners to install CCTV cameras at the entrance to the premises, and to lock any outside driveway gates and the doors 30 minutes before closing time to make it more difficult for robbers to pull up in their vehicles and stroll in. “Criminals rely on the element of surprise and speedy access in and out of the building, which business owners and managers can minimise by locking doors early and using discretion when allowing clients in during this time. Assign a staff member to monitor the entrance and the CCTV cameras when you prepare to cash up for the day. If you are vigilant and make it harder for criminals to gain access to the premises, they will be more likely to move on rather than run the risk of being caught,” Jackson said.