Unfortunately, criminals are once again targeting jewellers with alarming frequency. The majority of recent incidents have affected retailers inside shopping malls and have resulted in extensive damage to premises, however in this current economic downturn as a result of lockdowns, we urge everyone to remain vigilant.
If you’re trading from a mall – especially one that has quick access to escape routes like highways – consult with management about ways to safeguard the store, and check if security cameras are placed in communal areas in a way that will pick up of thieves approaching or fleeing. While everyone is required to wear masks in public, it’s very difficult to identify facial features, so extra cameras in parking areas that are angled to clearly capture number plates of escape vehicles might be in order. Have a look at this footage from November 2020 that might give you some ideas about how criminals are operating and where your weak security points may be – is it better to be able to lock a back room door, or could this put your front-of-house staff at more risk? Does your insurance policy cover theft or damage to shop fittings? If you have custom-made displays this might be especially relevant as thieves will often grab the entire tray rather than wasting time picking out individual items.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Stats SA, crime stats reported between July and September 2020 reflect a massive up-tick in criminal activity – an expected resurgence after the hard lockdowns earlier in the year. Minister of Police Bheki Cele reported in November that “While many citizens are still working from home due to the Nationwide Lockdown, incidents of home invasions have increased by 8.5%. On the other hand, cases of business robberies have declined by the same percentage,” (though jewellers seem to be the exception to this rule). Saferspaces.org.za notes that:
“Various research reports have shown the devastating effect that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown regulations have had on large segments of the South African population, in which there have been alarming increases in poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, hunger and domestic violence. These dynamics are likely to transform the current crime crisis into a crime catastrophe in the medium term, as existing risk factors for violence perpetration will be exacerbated, such as physical violence in the home; dropping out of school; and diminishing meaningful job prospects. This will be especially the case for young marginalized men, who are most at risk for violence perpetration. We are also likely to see increases in unrest, with the recent violence associated with land invasions being a likely taste of things to come.”
RAM couriers released the following information towards the end of January 2021 regarding criminals posing as delivery drivers – and we’re certain that this impersonation issue will not be unique to RAM, so please be aware of any deliveries by any company, even if you are expecting one:
“…pursuant to the increase in eCommerce and online deliveries there have been certain incidents whereby perpetrators arrive at residential houses or businesses advising that they are from RAM to do a delivery… (they) often wear red shirts and/or partial RAM uniforms (obtained fraudulently).”
Check with your couriers beforehand about whether their drivers will arrive in branded vehicles, what kind of ID they will produce, whether they will be able to show you a specific handheld device that the company uses to deliver or collect packages, and whether they will be in a particular kind of uniform. RAM has issued this number to contact should you suspect that a RAM courier is not who they say they are: +27 82 799 5748.
Safety tips:
- See our security tips listed at the bottom of this article that deals with retail best practices in pandemic times – you may particularly want to insist that potential customers remove their mask while facing a security camera before entering the store, as many crime incidents are preceded by casing.
- Having a mobile panic app installed on your phone could save your life. They are commonly offered as a free feature by security companies, so check with yours, or see our review of independent options here.
- Remember to be extra vigilant during load shedding – at home, shut windows and make sure doors are locked. You may decide to shut your store during these hours. This is a prime opportunity for criminals who know they have at least 2 hours of darkness or potentially offline security systems in which to strike, and who are counting on your fatigue and complacency.
- The impact of load shedding on a security company’s operational resources is severe, with control centres receiving an influx of thousands of false alarm signals as power fluctuations trigger the more sensitive systems. This puts immense strain on both controllers as well as reaction officers. If your alarm system is linked to an app, cancel any false alarm signals ASAP so that your company can get back to assisting with real emergencies.
- Check your alarm system’s battery – and that of your garage doors or driveway gates, especially if you haven’t replaced them for a few years. Sufficient battery levels are crucial to ensure your safety, as battery charge below a certain voltage won’t send alarm signals properly. The average battery lasts about 6 hours (although many passives, cameras and beams connected to it will drain it quicker), and repeated power cuts will reduce its lifespan. Consider purchasing a larger battery and a power pack or storing spare batteries – they’re not particularly expensive and it is possible to save money and change it yourself if needed.
- Load shedding impacts more than just your electricity supply – it can cause damage to equipment when the power comes back on. Get into the habit of switching off all expensive appliances 10 minutes before load shedding kicks in and turning them on one by one after the power returns. This will lessen the fire risk or damage caused to appliances due to power surges.
- Regularly test your alarm system for faults that could have been caused by the power surge that occurred after the last load shedding incident.
- Be aware that generators can cause fires if there’s a faulty connection to the power supply or if it hasn’t been installed correctly. It is also critical that generators are never used inside an enclosed area because they produce carbon monoxide which can be highly flammable and fatal if inhaled.
- Always keep a high-powered torch in your car (your cellphone can be used but a bright light is better) just in case there is an unforeseen issue on your property when you arrive home, like having to open a gate manually because of load shedding.
- Become a JCSA member and join your regional WhatsApp group to stay informed about crime affecting the jewellery industry
- Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and that you’re fully covered
Stay safe and alert!
