29 September 2021

Business robbery suspect apprehended – Pretoria North

Submitted by: Jacqui

A suspect has been apprehended and arrested following an attempted break in at a business in Pretoria North

According to Gerrit Rheeder, Community Development Manager for Fidelity ADT, a signal was received on 19 September at approximately 06:07.
Upon his arrival, Reaction Officer Maudu immediately informed the control room that there was a suspect inside the client’s premises and needed back up.
Reaction officer Mahlangu was dispatched, upon his arrival both officers proceeded to the premises of the customer were they successfully arrested the suspect and recovered other items that were stolen by the suspect which were outside the client’s premises.

The suspect was handed over to Constable Van der Merwe of Hercules SAPS.

Rheeder provides the following tips and precautions to secure your business and urges businesses to put basic practical measures in place to assist in preventing burglary, theft and armed robberies:

  • Controlled entrances are important in preventing over-crowding in your premises; make sure you have measures in place to restrict movement at entrances and exits to your business, for both staff and customers
  • Implementing solutions that assist you in doing this could dramatically reduce shrinkage in your business
  • Be alert during opening and closing times. Always work in pairs to prevent being surprised or being overpowered by criminals. Train your staff to ask for identification before allowing entry to the premises
  • Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorised keys from being duplicated
  • Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display windows
  • Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering
  • Always use the services of a reputable company when selecting security guards. Always rotate security guards and insist that they are vetted on a regular basis
  • Keep your cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police during the day or at night. Leave it open and empty after closing
  • Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. Remember to change your security password when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business
  • Always invest in an alarm, CCTV and an electronic article surveillance system that meets your level of security needs. Learn how to use your system properly and check the system daily. It is advisable to run a test when closing
  • Most importantly is the updating of your keyholders before closing your business for any holiday season. Make sure that all the relevant information is updated should we need to contact you or the person in charge

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PREPARED ON BEHALF OF FIDELITY ADT BY CATHY FINDLEY PR. CONTACT JACQUI MOLOI WITH ANY QUERIES ON 0717648233 OR EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.