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Retail security Q&A

Lynne Larsen posed some questions on security in the retail sector to Conrad van der Merwe, Gauteng regional director of Symbiotix group.

Q: What are the security threats/issues facing the retail sector, and why?

A: The security threats to the retail sector have become much more violent and serious than in the past. Previously shoplifting and dishonest staff were the main concern for the retail sector in a bid to prevent stock losses. Unfortunately these problems are still very much there with a culture among some staff to line their own pockets rather than protect their companies and the assets of those companies. Armed robberies and violent crime have, however, superseded these problems and the retail sector now has to focus on protecting the lives of their staff and management rather than their takings or stock.

Q: Have these threats always been the same or have the security issues changed in any way over time and, if so, how?

A: Violent crime and armed robberies have always been a part of the retail threat, but never to the extent that they are now. It is no longer a case of one or two gunmen who commit an armed robbery. The current tendency for retail armed robberies is a group of between 10 and 15 gunmen, some armed with automatic weapons (for example AK47, R4, R5) who attack with military precision. The involvement of SAPS members, SANDF members, Metro police members and former military-trained individuals (from Zimbabwe and Mozambique especially) in these robberies increases the threat of these robberies tenfold. Retail security has tried to adapt to these threats but the reality is that shopping centre security staff members are not armed, as retail property owners fear a shootout and subsequent legal actions, and armed response vehicles with one armed response officer is not a match for these gangs.

Q: What measures are typically in place to prevent and/or control these situations?

A: The retail sector has opted to put measures/technology in place to limit the risk, reduce cash holding on site and put time restraints in place that delay robbers in committing their crimes. From Justicia Investigation's side we have realised that all these crimes are committed with inside information obtained from staff at these centres or businesses and that it is essential that the retail industry focuses on internal intelligence to identify risks and prevent violent crimes rather than investigate them afterwards.

Q: Is the security generally handled by the shops/malls or is it outsourced?

A: 99% of shopping centres outsource their security services to private security companies. What we at Justicia suggest is that guarding, CCTV control room and crime prevention units be outsourced to three different companies in each centre so that the different companies can keep an eye on each other and prevent collusion with robbers. The effective vetting of all security staff for retail centres is absolutely crucial as this prevents syndicates from infiltrating the security service providers.

Q: In South Africa, are any specific international trends followed or is South Africa seen as a leader in this field?

A: Retail in South Africa has followed the international trend of using more advanced technology to replace manpower and improve security. Facial recognition software, for instance, can play a vital role if known robbers and wanted violent criminals are loaded onto all shopping centre CCTV systems and the suspects are identified as they walk into the mall.

Internal intelligence for the retail sector is becoming more and more important to prevent losses and violent crime and in this respect Whistle Blower systems that assist honest employees in providing information without being identified, as well as the use of human agents, is vital. Crime prevention units for centres have also proven to be a creative way of preventing crimes and losses in the retail industry.

The Symbiotix group of companies incorporates Justicia Investigations, Whistle Blowers, Guarding SA and Simunye Symbiotix that specialise in crime prevention methods for the retail sector.

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