The safety tips below, gleaned from our experience, will help you reduce your susceptibility to crime.
• Be vigilant when opening or closing your business. It’s common for criminals to force staff inside and get them to open the safe or tills. Crime usually takes place at opening time, lunch time or at closing time. However, robberies may not always be restricted to these times.
• If you feel that a suspicious person has entered your business, call the CIDC Hotline or SAPS. Often people feel insecure to call. The CIDC guarantees that any suspicion will be followed up.
• Your business should have the CIDC, SAPS and Law Enforcement number on speed dial.
• Don’t place high value items in your business window. This is an invitation for criminals to ‘smash and grab’.
• Shoplifters often work in teams of up to 6 or 7, with lookouts outside the shop. While one is distracting the staff the others are taking stock or opening the till.
• If someone tries to commit a robbery or theft do not try to stop them on your own. They are often desperate and dangerous and most carry weapons.
• Always remember to switch on the alarm when locking up.
• If you have CCTV make sure it is recording 24 hours a day and that cameras are positioned towards the door and high-value goods.
• Disposal of on-site cash should not follow a pattern. Criminals do their research, so vary your times of cash disposal.
• Please ensure that your business after hours contact numbers are recorded with the Claremont Improvement District Company, in the case of an after hours emergency.
Emergency numbers to be programmed into your cell phone and speed dial at home or business
CIDC Control Room 0800 200 597
SAPS Claremont 021 657 2240
SAPS Sector Manager (Sergeant Dubeni) 079 894 1568
Flying Squad 10111
Ambulance 10177
All staff (including Seasonal/Temporary Staff) should be aware of these safety tips as part of their awareness and training.