GEORGE NEWS - Business owners, employees, security personnel and neighbourhood watches in the industrial area have been placed on high alert following two armed robberies within five days.
The most recent incident occurred in Meul Street at about 13:10 on Monday 17 October.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said three suspects allegedly entered a shop and threatened a staff member with a firearm while demanding cash. They made off with an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene on foot. No arrests have been made.
The modus operandi of this robbery is similar to that of another armed business robbery that took place in the same area on Wednesday 12 October.
According to Spies, four suspects, one of them carrying a firearm, entered a shop in Pearl Street at approximately 16:00.
"They threatened an employee and demanded money after which they fled with the undisclosed amount of cash in a bag," he said. He said that although it can't be confirmed whether it is the same group of suspects in the two incidents, all possibilities are being investigated.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact the police on 044 803 4715 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
George community police forum's (CPF) chairperson Rupert Pretorius said although they are trying their utmost to prevent further incidents, they need the community's assistance.
He gave the following safety tips for business owners:
- Ensure your premises are safe - not just for your customers but for your personnel as well
- Educate your personnel on safety and emergency situations
- Ensure your alarms and panic buttons are active
- Install cameras and test them regularly
- Install safety gates where possible
- Secure access control
- Keep minimal cash in register or on premises
- Become vigilant to suspects and report potential situations
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
