Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
POLICE have urged businesses to take proper measures to protect and safeguard their premises during the festive season when crime is usually at its peak.
Addressing journalists and members of the public during an engagement session organised by Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in Bulawayo yesterday, Bulawayo provincial police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said as companies close for the holidays, proper security measures should be put in place to protect their business premises during their absence.
She said as mandated by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, police officers have a duty to protect people and their properties, adding that measures have been put in place to ensure maximum security.
She, however, said there is a need for the general public to work together with the police to ensure a crime-free environment, especially during the festive season.
“Businesspeople should employ security guards from reputable companies to safeguard their properties during this festive holiday.
“They can even employ people who can search their patrons before entering their premises so that there won’t be people moving into their premises carrying dangerous weapons,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said during the festive season, businesses that are doing well and keep large sums of money in their premises are usual armed robbery targets.
“Business is improving, people are buying and the cashier will be having more money from their till and everyone who is buying sees that there is money and that attracts armed robbers.
“But we can prevent that by having hourly or two-hour intervals taking away money to a safer place,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
“Those who transport money should have cash-in-transit services from reputable companies to avoid raids, which end up costing the companies.”
She said hiring enough safety services is cheaper than losing a lot of money to robbers. Some of the measures put in place to reduce crime during the festive season as highlighted by Asst Insp Msebele include 24-hour roadblocks, day and night patrols in the central business district and in suburbs, and holding crime awareness campaigns among others. —@SikhulekelaniM1
Online Reporter