New system to reduce cash-in-transit risk

Image courtesy of Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As part of the system, cash is transported from the retail stores throughout the mall by means of air tubes, meaning retailers no longer keep cash on their premises.

This leads to a decrease in cash-in-transit pickups and drop-offs, in turn reducing the risk of an armed robbery, cash-in-transit heists and potential injury to staff and customers. The cash is then recycled into ATMs within the shopping centre.

This system was developed and piloted at one of Johannesburg's largest shopping centres and permanently implemented earlier this year and is currently being rolled out in other malls across Gauteng, with plans for national implementation.

Other security measures

Other interventions include providing advice on CCTV camera minimum standards and best practice, sending out monthly alerts on crime trends and syndicates, and a new initiative to combat shoplifting.

"We are very concerned about the significant increase in armed robberies in the retail environment and are working closely with the South African Police to try to find new and better ways of combatting retail robbery," says James Oosthuizen, Head of the Consumer Goods Risk Initiative (CGRI) business unit at CGCSA.

The CGRI is a business unit within the CGCSA and specialises in crime prevention in the retail industry. It is involved in a number of initiatives, some in partnership with other stakeholders, to address crime in the retail sector.

The CGRI also works closely with the police, providing them with vital information in connection with crime in the retail sector.

"At CGRI we are continually looking for new ways to combat crime in the retail sector, particularly as it affects our members. This means engaging with a wide range of stakeholders from around the world to devise and implement new and innovative ways of combatting retail crime," continues Oosthuizen.

Increase in armed robbery

According to the CGRI, reported armed robberies amongst CGCSA members increased from 153 in 2011/2012 to 209 in 2012/2013 - a dramatic 37% increase.

However, while reported armed robbery incidents increased, the number of reported burglaries decreased slightly from 243 in 2011/2012 to 241 in 2012/2013.

The CGRI's statistics also revealed a substantial increase in reported financial losses as a result of armed robberies, which accounted for a R13.7 million loss across the retail sector; up from R8.2 million on the previous year.

Burglaries showed a general decrease in reported financial loss down from R8.9 million in 2011/2012 to 8.4 million in 2012/2013.

Armed robbery in shopping centres, which include retailers which are not members of the CGCSA, showed a similar trend as the overall retail statistics.

Shopping centre armed robbery, including retailers and jewellers, increased by 60% from 274 incidents to 438 incidents with the financial loss increasing from R20.5 million to R38.7 million.

The number of armed robberies involving jewellers increased by 63% from 38 incidents to 62 with the financial loss increasing from R12.9 million to 16.8 million. This increase may however be due to better reporting from the jewellery industry.

"We urge both CGCSA members and members of the public to alert the South African Police Service to any knowledge of crime in the retail sector. As much as innovative new ways of combatting crime are needed, and are being implemented, it is also the responsibility of every South African to assist where they can," says Oosthuizen.