GEORGE NEWS -Business owners across George have been urged to be vigilant in the wake of an apparent spike in armed business robberies. 

Local media have reported several incidents in the town’s CBD over the past few weeks.

Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group, says there is a continuing need for preventative measures to deter any criminal activity.

“I would suggest you start by looking at a daily schedule of events at your business, to determine any periods at which you are particularly vulnerable. This could be for example when new stock is delivered, when your cashiers are cashing up for the day, or when your shop is particularly busy. Do you think you are adequately protected for these periods?”

Perimeter security is another valuable and important area to focus on. Installing motion detection systems in your roof means that anyone trying to gain access by lifting roof tiles would be detected.

“You should also make sure that all access points are controlled and monitored, so that your security company can immediately respond if anyone tries to rob you after you have closed the doors. One option is to ask your security company if they can send one of their armed response vehicles to park outside your front door to keep a watchful eye while you cash up for the day. They could also provide guards that can be stationed at your main entrance,” says Hattingh.

Owners of smaller businesses could also combine their resources and find ways to cooperate to increase safety. “Perhaps you can get together and install a CCTV system that looks after the small shops in your suburb.”

Hattingh says her company recommends an urgent security assessment of any measures that might have been installed.

“It would be ideal to get a professional and accredited service provider to come and test your security measures as soon as possible.”

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