Shots fired by brazen robbers in Westville holdup

Armed robbers fired shots after holding up staff at a Westville business premises on Wednesday night. Blue Security operations manager Brian Jackson said three robbers had entered the business and ordered staff to open up the cash register. “The robbers grabbed cash from the register and fled on foot, firing two shots on their way out,” Jackson said. “Police attended the scene of the crime. There were no injuries reported.”
Jackson advised business owners to be vigilant as there had been a string of armed robberies at business premises across the city this week.
“Criminals usually stake out a premises before striking. If you notice anyone suspicious lurking around, be sure to report it to your security company and the police,” he said. “Have CCTV surveillance cameras installed at the entrance to the premises. Cameras provide a strong deterrent against crime and can be used to gather valuable intelligence for the police if an incident does take place.”
Concerning staff, Jackson urges employers to make sure they have been properly trained and their knowledge refreshed regarding standard security procedures. Also ensure that they have easy access to panic buttons behind the counters, so they are able to sound the alarm in an emergency.
Jackson said the company’s mobile panic app, when installed on your smartphone, pinpoints your precise location – whether you are at the beach, out jogging, or hiking in a park – the moment you activate it in an emergency. “Our state-of-the-art control centre receives the signal and makes contact with you to determine the type of emergency. We can then activate a range of emergency responses, from our own armed response officers in our operational areas, to ambulance services, the SAPS and roadside assistance services.”