Command centre launched to tackle festive season crime in Phoenix

A SECURITY company has joined forces with the Phoenix SAPS to launch a command centre at the Phoenix Plaza, to curb festive season crime.

The command centre will serve as a central hub for coordinated crime prevention, rapid response and emergency dispatch. 

Police will work side-by-side with KZNVIP Security members, and the centre will be available to other private security companies and ambulance services to use.

Gareth Naidoo, the head of KZN VIP Security, said they worked closely with the Phoenix SAPS to establish the centre, which was focused on creating a safer environment for residents, shoppers and visitors.

“This will be a central point of coordination for all emergency services. All authorised emergency partners are invited to operate, park and respond directly from this location, ensuring seamless cooperation and improved response times," said Naidoo.

“The Phoenix SAPS leadership shared our view about the importance of a multi agency collaboration in reducing crime and maintaining visible policing during the high traffic festive season.

“Residents can expect increased visibility of SAPS and security teams, faster dispatch of emergency and medical services, a unified response to crime and public safety concerns and improved coordination during peak shopping and holiday periods.

“In Phoenix, the hotspot areas are the CBD and the outer-lying areas, because it is a quick and easy escape channel for criminals after they commit crimes. The crimes that happen within the perimeter of Phoenix are mostly petty thefts. We chose the Phoenix Plaza for the command centre due to its central location for effective service provider response."

Naidoo said the centre would provide faster response times to crimes like cash-in-transit heists, and jewellery store robberies, which, he said, usually occurred during the festive season.

“We have had crimes like cash-in-transit heists and jewellery store robberies. We want to curb all these types of crimes during the course of our festive period. There are a lot of things out of our hands but we have to take each step as it comes. 

“We encourage all local security stakeholders to make use of the centre and join in this community focused effort. Together, the combined presence aims to deter criminal activity, support faster intervention and promote a safer Phoenix for everyone."

He said for residents to safeguard themselves, they have to be vigilant, especially in malls and crowded spaces.

“Criminals will be using every opportunity that exists at malls and crowded places, where it is easy to be pickpocketed. Smash and grabs, and snatch and runs, are also on the increase during the festive season.

“We must be alert of our surroundings. We must not expose our valuables, and we must be secretive about what we are carrying. The more we expose our valuables to criminals, the more we are exposed to crime.

“It makes it an easier opportunity for someone to commit a crime if they see you are carrying high value goods, or a bag, or jewellery. We urge people not to be in crowded areas, and to be alert when they are going to their vehicles.

“Criminals lurk in the corners and that is when hijacking and armed robberies happen. Those who are going on holiday should ensure their intruder detection system is working. They can also call their security company if they will be away from home, so that they can do patrols, and give feedback if needed,” Naidoo advised.

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