It seems like every day the news is filled with stories about the disturbing rise of crime on the Gold Coast. Home invasions, assault and property destruction are becoming a common occurrence and pose a potentially detrimental threat to businesses on the coast. A struggling economy has meant that tourism figures have dropped dramatically on the coast, a spiralling crime rate risks putting the nail on the coffin that is the Gold Coast. Once a bustling financial hub crime statistics show disturbing trends, and highlight the need for businesses to utilise private security companies.
A perfect case study can be found in the examination of two separate incidents that occurred at Robina shopping centre a popular Gold Coast shopping hub. The first incident occurred on the 28th of April when a senior member of the Bandido’s bikie gang and an innocent female bystander were gunned down in front of horrified shoppers. Although the victims survived the incident caused public outcry and a range of security measures were initiated. Due to the incident sales suffered greatly in the centre for the next few weeks. Just when shop owners had put the shooting behind them and shoppers began to return a second incident happened. On the 7th of June the shopping centre was again forced into closure after two teenage girls got into a fight over stolen goods and began stabbing each other in a packed food court. These two separate incidents horrified shoppers and has resulted in reduced business for the town centre that will be slow to return. These stories are horrific yet sadly common on the Gold Coast and severe measures are required to prevent the spread of crime in our beautiful city.
Incidents such as the ones that occurred in Robina can have a detrimental effect on businesses in the immediate vicinity. With crime showing no sign of slowing down, it is important that companies consider taking a more comprehensive approach to security to prevent these incidents from happening. Private security firms offer a range of packages to suit a variety of businesses. It is important not to overlook the importance of utilising reliable security services. Increased security will allow your customers to feel safe and secure and more importantly it will deter would be criminals from plying their trade at or around your business. Hopefully the future of the Gold Coast is bright, unemployment will decrease and crime rates along with it. Until then be vigilant and take all the steps necessary to crime proof your business as much as possible.
