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. 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.

“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. 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.” 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. —