DURBAN - THE Midlands Chamber of Commerce has applauded private security companies and other agencies involved in an initiative to protect businesses over the festive season.
This comes after a spike in small business robberies during the festive season in Pietermaritzburg.
The chamber’s CEO, Melanie Veness, said this initiative would benefit businesses and the communities.
“Many small businesses can’t afford private security, and are therefore more vulnerable. The willingness shown by these security companies to voluntarily help protect these businesses at their own expense is commendable, and will benefit us all.
“As organised business, we’re grateful for this generosity and support. Effectively combating crime requires a solid partnership between the SAPS and the private security industry,” Veness said.
Private security companies had also pledged to voluntarily avail themselves to assist the police in looking after businesses that can afford private security. This was announced during the Festive Season Safety Plan at Alexander Road Park last on Friday.
Collin David, Mi7 group director, said they had deployed about 150 guards on the ground that would be patrolling the streets in the CBD and various communities.
“We have launched the crime-prevention system, whereby as a company, we have deployed our resources in terms of armed vehicles throughout the city. We know that a lot of businesses during the festive season cannot afford security. And we have taken it on ourselves to include them in our festive season campaign to ensure their safely,” said David.
He said they were hopeful the initiative would reduce crime drastically.
“We understand the CBD and other communities are a vast area to cover, but we are hoping to help so everyone can have a productive festive season.”
Daily News