“Most of the business robberies reported were of foreign nationals who are running spaza shops and tuck shops. It is a serious problem,” says Phathela.
The sharp increase in robberies of foreign-owned small businesses has prompted the police to try out a new crime prevention strategy.
Following the scourge of robberies, the police called a meeting on July 31, to discuss the problem with the shop owners.
Shop owners were given tips aimed at decreasing their chances of becoming a victim of robberies.
This includes stepping up security, avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the shop, closing the business before 7pm, because these issues make them easy targets.
In most cases the businessowners sleep at their business premises, allowing criminals to break in and force them to hand over the money, and make off with a large quantity of items.
The hunt is still on for the gang of robbers who recently struck the foreign-owned shops.
Police say they are yet to confirm if all of the robberies are linked.
Anyone with information is asked to anonymously contact the Reiger Park SAPS on 011 916 7000.
