Caution urged to Durban businesses following spate of armed robberies

Blue Security has alerted Durban businesses to be vigilant and upgrade security measures following a spate of armed robberies in and around the city over the past weekend.
“Criminal activity often escalates at week- and month-end,” Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios warned. “It is vitally important that businesses, or individuals handling large amounts of cash, increase security measures during these periods.”
This past weekend was no exception, when a big-screen TV and safe, with an undisclosed amount of cash, was removed from a business in Carrington Heights in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mathios said a gang of five armed suspects dressed in balaclavas and gloves were observed arriving at the business premises in a black Golf.
“Three of the suspects allegedly gained access to the property by cutting the master padlock on the pedestrian gate. Meanwhile, the other two gang members confronted the armed security guard and forced him – at gunpoint – to surrender his firearm and cellphone. After tying him up and locking him in the bathroom, his assailants then opened the front gate allowing a vehicle onto the premises,” Mathios said.
“The suspects fled with a big-screen TV and a heavy floor-standing safe, containing an undisclosed amount of cash and other items. The security officers’ cellphones and other items were also stolen during the incident,” he said.
In an earlier incident on Friday morning, criminals arrived at a business in Umbilo, under the pretense of making a delivery. “Once the suspects gained entry they robbed the employee of her jewellery and assaulted her before fleeing,” Mathios said.
In a separate incident on Friday afternoon an attempted armed robbery took place in New Germany. “The manager of the business was held up by an armed suspect on his arrival at work. While this attack was in progress two other suspects were witnessed unsuccessfully attempting to break into the victim’s panel van. The gang fled with R500 cash.” Mathios said.
“Business owners need to be aware that their premises or movements are observed, often days before an incident occurs,” he said. “It is important to change up routine – such as trips to the bank or other times when transport of cash occurs. Would-be cash robbers are seldom opportunist and will plan their activities well beforehand. Also try to not keep large amounts of cash or valuables on the premises – even if kept in a safe. As illustrated this weekend, perpetrators will often remove the whole safe to transport to another location before forcing it open,”Mathios said.
“It’s also vital to be very aware of suspicious vehicles or individuals lurking near your premises entrance. To avoid being a potential hijacking victim, rather pass the entrance first or vary up your route so that it is more difficult to be followed or accosted. If there is still suspicious activity, rather request an escort by your security company or ask for a police patrol of the area,” he said.
“Regularly brief staff on security measures and reinforce the importance of safety and security. Alert them to be aware of intruders or customers displaying suspicious behavior. Install a number of panic buttons in hidden – but still easily accessible – locations. Or provide them with remote panic buttons. Mobile panic apps can also be installed on cellphones.”
“Businesses should regularly perform tests on the alarm systems to ensure that they are working effectively. Upgrade security technology and surveillance systems. Not only do these act as a deterrent to potential criminals but are also extremely helpful in police and security investigations,” he said.