Feature
RAM Raids on the rise Garry Taylor, executive general manager at NZI, reveals how businesses can minimise risks of ram raids, and recover from attacks.
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f you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that ram raid attacks have left a path of destruction across Auckland in recent months. Multiple targets have been hit, with offenders becoming more and more brazen – shifting their focus from local shops to malls and higher end stores. Our anecdotal evidence shows that, particularly in the Auckland area, tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol products are being targeted as well as clothing and designer goods stores. We're also seeing an increase in claims for stolen vehicles used in ram raids, with many of our customers being contacted by police
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in the early hours of the morning to let them know their stolen vehicle has been used in a ram raid. These attacks aren’t just a problem for Auckland though – retail stores around the country need to consider the threat of a ram raid to their business. It’s worthwhile for small business owners to take note of the following advice we’ve gleaned through our experience of working with customers in these situations. Minimising disruption to your business BOLLARDS
Bollards and other types of onsite deterrents are well worth the investment. Bollards are strong visual
deterrents, however they vary in their effectiveness if not installed correctly. We recommend choosing bollards that are made of steel and properly installed and buried at least 500700mm into the ground. Ram beams are another effective solution when underground cables and pipework make bollards difficult to install. REMOVE TEMPTATION There are also day-to-day steps retailers can take to mitigate risks. The most obvious is removing temptation from the shop window at night. It is good practise to move stock out of sight and take the till drawer out to show it is empty. The simple act
