By Ernest Mabuza

Managers and owners of shopping centres yesterday agreed to co operate to improve safety standards to cut down on violent crime at shopping centres around the country and create a safe environment for retailers and their customers.

From January to June this year, 265 incidents of violent crime were recorded at shopping centres, 216 of which involved cash robberies. The robberies at shopping centres are a major threat and they contribute to a public feeling of insecurity.

Though many centres committed resources to deal with violent crime, these initiatives were deficient because there was generally poor integration and co-ordination across shopping centres and within business sectors.

The Shopping Centre Security Initiative (SCSI) is a partnership between the South African Council of Shopping Centres, commercial property association Sapoa, the Consumer Goods Council of SA and Business Against Crime. It was established at the end of last year when Liberty Life Properties and Pareto provided funding for the start of the initiative.

Liberty Life Properties owns and manages several retail centres, including Sandton City and Eastgate, while Pareto, a property loan stock company, has a 25% share in Sandton City and wholly owns Cresta and Pavilion shopping centres.

Sixteen property owner and managing companies have joined the initiative.

SCSI project manager Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane said the initiative also sought to eliminate opportunities for violent crime, and identify and implement joint preventative measures aimed at reducing robberies.

Business Day

Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge