4 May 2020 – information supplied by BLUE SECURITY THANK YOU

PINETOWN BUSINESS FALLS VICTIM TO ARMED GANG’S LIQUOR LOOTING SPREE

Durban commercial owners are warned to increase or upgrade security measures onsite during Lockdown to prevent becoming a statistic of crime. This follows a number of industries and businesses being targeted by criminals this week throughout greater Durban.

“An armed gang went on a six-hour looting spree at a Pinetown business from 11pm on Tuesday night through to 5am on Wednesday clearing the premises of a vast amount of liquor after tying up the security guard,” said Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios.

“The three suspects arrived in a vehicle and held up the security guard at gunpoint before tying him up and locking him in a car. “Evidence shows that they gained access to the premises by cutting the wire fence, breaking a window and cutting the roller-door locks. They also damaged the alarm system,” Mathios said. They then spent the next six hours loading the getaway vehicle with boxes of wine, whisky and vodka. “It was established after the incident that stolen items included two plasma TVs, two laptops and multiple boxes of wine, vodka and Scotch whisky. Investigations are continuing,” Mathios said.

In a separate incident a business owner arrived at his business premises in Umbilo on Wednesday morning and discovered that the office had been robbed. “It appears that suspects had broken into the building early on Wednesday morning. Access was gained to the reception area by breaking a window and cutting through the burglar bars,” Mathios said. “The main office and reception area was ransacked and a laptop and large amount of cash was removed. Umbilo SAPS attended the scene and the case is under investigation,” Mathios said.

A business owner in Isipingo Rail was also targeted on Wednesday morning. “A check of the premises revealed that access had been gained via an open window on an upper level of the building. The burglar bars were still intact,” Mathios said. “Investigations showed that a computer screen and digital camera had been removed from the premises. Isipingo SAPS attended the scene,” Mathios said.

“A business in Jacobs was also targeted before 5am on Thursday morning. A check of the building indicated that a front window on an upper level had been forced open. A screwdriver was found nearby. An initial check showed that only a toolbox had been removed,” Mathios said.

“Lockdown is not deterring criminals and in some instances quieter industrial or retail districts are a boon for illegal activities to occur undetected,” Mathios said. “It is therefore vital that businesses ensure their premises are sufficiently protected with well-maintained and efficient security systems,” Mathios said. “Ensure perimeters have electric fencing, are well-lit and are connected to a security provider’s control room. Arrange for regular patrols by a security provider. On-site guards should also be provided with remote panic buttons that can be activated at any sign of trouble,” Mathios said.

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THE ES BROKERS TEAM