The sharing of information between businesses about cash-in-transit heists and robberies would play an important role in the reduction of the crime rate in South Africa, Business Against Crime SA said on Tuesday.

Chief executive Kenny Fihla said 18 businesses signed an agreement in Johannesburg on Tuesday to exchange ideas and information on robberies.

He said this information would be analysed and shared with police to assist with investigations.

"We have seen a significant increase in robberies at shopping centres and banks. To prevent a further escalation we require joint action across businesses," said Fihla.

He said detailed information about incidents, statistics, risk and common factors would be analysed, allowing specific action to be taken to prevent recurring crime.

Fihla said the businesses that signed the agreement joined a forum called 'Industry Alignment Forum' and they would convene once a month for meetings and to monitor the success rate of their crime combating initiative.

"This forum enables all parties involved in the fight against crime, to liaise and to act collectively to reduce crime. It will reduce duplication of effort and costs in combating crime and improves relationships between the business sector, government and police."

Fihla added that the forum would look into the improvement of closed circuit television cameras which were already in place in major shopping centres.

He said desks would also be established within banks and shopping centres to monitor people on the premises and outside.

"The physical design of shopping centres would also have to be improved. The police will work with centres to do this," said Fihla.

"A lot of work has to be done because you must understand, that as business innovates, so do criminals." The forum is made up of The Consumer Good Council of SA; National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA; SA Banking Risking Intelligence Centre; SA Fraud Prevention Service; Chamber of Mines; the SA Post Office; Business Unity South Africa, the SA Revenue Service and others.

Sapa

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