Security
Another jewellery store in the heart of Philipsburg was robbed in broad daylight, the latest in string of such “hold up and grab” jobs. As is usually the case, a deadly weapon was used to keep personnel and clients at bay.
Catching robbers operating this way in the act is difficult at best, because of the speed with which it takes place. In this case the thieves had a motorcycle waiting outside and were gone in no time.
While it is true that the local police are short-staffed, ill-equipped and underpaid, these and similar robberies cannot be blamed entirely on weak law enforcement. Even with the now better situated and more active Soualiga Patrols, one cannot expect authorities to guard every store or block non-stop.
In last weekend’s case there was a disturbing report that members of the Voluntary Corps VKS, Dutch marines and Marechaussees were in the immediate area, but did not react when the robbery took place. If that was indeed the case it might have to do with their specific mission at the time, but it still raises questions, because uniformed officers dealing with security and law enforcement are looked on to help protect society.
But in any case, the authorities alone cannot do it. Businesses involved have to start taking more precautionary measures, such as security guards, showcase windows that can’t be smashed, surveillance cameras, silent alarms and the like. It also appears that all the jewellery stores that were hit had wide, double-door entrances, which may also be something to consider.
For some time now there has been talk of a joint public-private surveillance and security setup for Philipsburg, but so far it has remained mostly talk. Businesses and residents alike in these trying times of more and increasingly violent crime will simply have to learn to take more responsibility for their own safety and security.
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