Retailers use crime detection techniques to thwart robbers

Michael Broughton, director of the Crime Prevention Programme, says the programme provided practical and effective advice for business people, focusing on robbers' modus operandi and highlighting the three key elements in any robbery - the premises, the victim and the offender's perspective.

"We encourage storeowners to identify vulnerabilities in their premises and to institute simple deterrents to discourage potential thieves, such as open store layouts, close circuit television and above all, staff training in security."

Retailers who had acted on this advice were congratulating themselves this weekend, when four robberies occurred without major loss.

A retailer comments: "The CGCSA recommended that we use irregular banking patterns and keep cash on premises down to a minimum. We have also developed good relationships with our local law enforcement officers.

"When the thieves struck, the police responded in amazingly quick time, arriving while the thieves were still operating. Not only did they manage to steal only a small sum of money, but they were quickly cornered by the police and five of them fatally shot. Two further suspects have been arrested."

The CGCSA also advises retailers to transfer money to a drop safe on a regular basis and preferably use cash-carrying specialists rather than undertake the task themselves.

"These cash transfer professionals are better equipped to protect themselves and the money," Broughton points out.

The CGCSA has developed a website to facilitate interaction, www.ecrcrime.org.za provides useful information and aims to create partnerships which identify factors affecting crime and develop solutions.