"This coalition harnesses the experience, skills and expertise of professionals from many backgrounds who have long dealt with the problem of crime, robbery and violence," comments Kenny Fihla of Business Against Crime.
Shopping store owners and managers are being closely involved in compiling a comprehensive plan which considers every possible aspect and factor affected by a potential crime. A series of principles and steps will be established and centres will be required to become compliant with each one in order to receive recognition - an accreditation as a safe shopping environment.
The main benefits though, will come from enhanced security, a safer shopping environment, a greater inflow of customers who are assured of their safety while in the centre.
Among some of the items in the plan are structural changes. "Experience from the past has shown us that some centres are almost inviting robbers to have a go at them," claims Broughton. Shopping centres and stores are, of necessity, inviting and friendly places - aimed at providing a pleasant shopping experience. This makes it attractive to the criminal element.
"The challenge we face", he adds," is to reduce our physical vulnerability to crime while not detracting from the friendliness of the shopping experience."
"Then there are other, more 'customer-friendly' measures," Tracey Fowler, GM of the SA Council of Shopping Centres, explains. "In the heat of the moment, one tends to forget those who are shocked or traumatised by the experience - the shoppers themselves, and our employees. So we have now taken steps to assist them recover and calm down - like providing blankets, tea, a place where they can sit and catch their breath and phone loved ones."
Fowler expresses the great relief and appreciation felt by Council members at this new cooperation. "I think we have long realised that trying to address the problem just from our perspective produces only short-term results. We needed a more holistic approach, drawing on the insights, wisdom and far-sightedness of professionals in both the retail and crime fields," she points out.
"Many gangs appear to be becoming more sophisticated," concludes Broughton. "Centres are clearly being staked out and their regular activities, deliveries, distribution and supplies carefully monitored. The crime itself is being more meticulously planned and generally conducted with fairly disciplined and almost military manoeuvres. We have to plan and counteract this accordingly."
