Businessman snatched at shopping mall

A businessman was abducted in broad daylight from Beacon Bay Retail Park when he was forced at gunpoint from the walkway, bundled into his car and whisked away.

The abduction took less than a minute and took place in full view of shoppers. Centre manager Urshula Pape showed the Daily Dispatch CCTV footage of the kidnapping, which took place on the morning of Monday November 2.

Malls beef up security

Centre manager Urshula Pape said the centre where the kidnapping had occurred would increase security “across the board” with a 50% increase in 24-hour security guards over the festive season.

This will be complemented by an increase in supervisory patrols by the contracted security company.

Communications between the centre office and security control room will also be bumped up.

HEMINGWAYS MALL:

Mall general manager Janice Coopoosamy said security was a “top priority” and the centre had added two additional patrol vehicles, bringing the total to three.

Additional CCTV cameras had also been installed.

The number of private security guards will be increased and an SAPS mobile unit at the mall will continue to operate through December and January.

VINCENT PARK:

“We have just spent a significant amount on CCTV surveillance,” said centre manager Joseph Parsley. Additional security guards will also be deployed during festive season trading hours at the centre.

MDANTSANE CITY MALL:

The in-house security presence would be increased, said mall general manager Dean Deary.

He said an SAPS office at the busiest entrance to the mall, manned by police from the Vulindlela station, was also a deterrent.

“During the festive season we also request an additional police presence in and around the mall.”

BT NGEBS CITY MALL, MTHATHA:

General manager Lolo Sabisa said additional security personnel would patrol the centre, while extra parking marshals would keep an eye on the basement parking.

He said SAPS patrols at the centre would be intensified from December 1.

CCTV cameras would ensure shoppers’ security, as would new anti-jamming technology to prevent criminals jamming automatic car locking systems. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za

How to keep safe while shopping

RED Alert Security community services manager Ed Low gave the following tips on how to keep safe at malls this festive season:

lTry not to shop alone;

lAvoid parking next to vehicles with tinted windows. Criminals could be watching you;

lLock valuables in your boot;

lEnsure your car really is locked before you walk away because criminals can jam your locking device;

lDon’t follow a pattern when banking money;

lKeep cellphones out of sight;

lTry to limit the amount of cash you carry;

lDon’t wear valuable jewellery;

lWhen using an ATM, ask your shopping companion to keep watch over you;

lHave car keys in your hand when approaching your car – don’t root around in your bag;

lBe aware that criminals are everywhere;

lTrust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za