Three Paarl Mall stores hit

The Vodashop was one of the three shops hit at Paarl Mall. File photo: Etienne Creux

The Vodashop was one of the three shops hit at Paarl Mall. File photo: Etienne Creux

Published Oct 22, 2014

Share

Cape Town - Paarl Mall became the latest shopping centre to be targeted by criminals who broke into three stores after hours on Sunday night.

Police said on Tuesday burglars had targeted Incredible Connection, Vodashop and King Pie.

Police spokesman Andre Traut said: “On Monday morning at 9am it was discovered that a burglary (took place) at Paarl Mall. Suspects managed to gain entry through the roof and entered three stores comprising of a take-away outlet, a cellular telephone and a computer retailer. They fled with goods and are yet to be arrested. The circumstances are being investigated.”

The perpetrators made off with cellphones and electronic goods. No one was injured.

The Paarl Mall manager, Faizah Behardien, said: “The recent spate of shopping centre robberies is very concerning and we are actively tackling the problem by working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We are constantly evaluating our security procedures, and educating tenants and staff accordingly.

“The mall has 24-hour security services and all areas are monitored by CCTV. The safety of customers and tenants is of the utmost importance to us, and we are continually looking to close any loopholes in our security systems.”

Police said robbers had also attempted to steal cash from a Capitec Bank ATM at CapeGate Shopping Centre in Brackenfell on Saturday.

The Paarl Mall robbery is the 16th such incident at malls in the Western Cape this year.

In the light of the recent spate of robberies at shopping centres, Community Safety MEC Dan Plato met provincial police management, the Department of Community Safety and Canal Walk management on Tuesday.

“Shopping centres cannot rely on a business-as-usual approach to security measures. I am confident that SAPS’s willingness to assist malls and the proactive measures taken by malls will help protect the public.

“Through a united approach, we can close the loopholes,” he said.

[email protected]

Cape Times

Related Topics: