Invest in security, businesses told

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have urged the business community to invest in security to avoid falling prey to robberies, which have been on the rise in the city.

Recently police in Bulawayo raised concern over rising armed robberies with 15 cases having been recorded within the last two weeks.

Addressing captains of industry in Bulawayo on Friday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said both businesses and individuals need to invest in security to avoid being victims of armed robbers.

“As the police we urge you to invest in security.

Some people keep large sums of money and fail to have security to buttress or provide security for their properties then you are as good as having nothing.

As security companies and individuals, it is imperative that we have to think again and discuss issues to do with security.

Peace Security has come at a better time to provide safety and security to us as stakeholders but we need to do more,” said Insp Ncube.

He said they had learnt that most of the armed robberies may not be something that security companies could avert but some of the cases were issues to do with the internal environment of the business.

Insp Ncube said workers disgruntlement and management issues were some of the contributing factors to leaking information which then resulted in robberies.

“As management and business owners even if you have security with you let your business not be known or your banking times should not be religious.

Most of the robberies we are suffering from are internally motivated, hence the need to be security conscious.

As companies once you keep on hiring and firing just know that you are firing your potential robbers as some would even be knowing where your safe is or where you keep your money,” he added.

Insp Ncube said security companies were not the police’s competitors but there was a need to complement, support each other and share ideas as they sought to serve the same purpose that of peace and safety of the people.

He also urged members of the public to use social media platforms wisely and avoid flaunting their wealth as they would end up being easily targeted by the robbers.

The business community at the event spoke with one voice and applauded the police for the great work they were doing in fighting crime.

They said there was also a need for the police to respond swiftly to scenes of crime.