Malls think safety

Security in our markets, especially high street and residential markets leave a lot to ask for, where one or two policemen are deployed with obsolete weapons against the anti-social elements hauling hi-tech weapons, bombs, etc, in the name of security. During night duty, most of the security personnel are seen idling on the roadside lounging in chairs. However, modern shopping malls are safer compared to high street markets.

On the issue of security, Mr Subhash Dhingra, owner of Paradise Fountains on DB Gupta Road, Karol Bagh says that crowded markets are not safe owing to lack of foolproof security mechanism, multiple entry and exit points, multiple owners and with security left to government agencies like police and the like. This has been witnessed in the last few years with blasts in all prominent markets like Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and Central Market. People are very hesitant about visiting any market in general—be it for shopping or as an outing after any crimes.

Parking security unchecked

Vehicle parking is a big problem in metropolitan cities. With the increasing number of vehicles, the roads and open markets have reached a saturation point and there is hardly any space left for parking. Moreover, the vehicles parked on roads and open parking areas go unchecked. At many metro stations too, the vehicles are parked without any security check for the day. And this leniency of the security staff, at times proves fatal. On the other hand, each and every vehicle along with belongings inside the vehicle is carefully checked with the latest technology on entering the mall premises or in the parking area. The security staff does not take any chance of a security lapse.

What makes malls safer?    

The demands on a mall security officer are greater than on one guarding other types of commercial properties like high street markets. Security at malls requires strict safety studies and trained personnel with clear concepts of customer service. These security guards must not only guarantee safety and tranquility but also serve as guides and information sources to the public.

For shoppers’ security, all people who enter the mall are asked to pass through walk-through detectors, their body and luggage is checked separately. The plain-clothes personnel, deployed in the premises, keep a constant eye on the movements of shoppers and visitors to the mall. Retailers either do not allow bags inside their shop or get them checked again by their own security staff.

The security aspect of operations is given top priority, with special concentration on the equipment and the training of personnel required to keep out any criminal elements. Security measures include walk-through detectors (similar to those used at international airports), metal detectors, crowd control barricades, K9 dogs and patrol vehicles. Some malls boasts of having the highest number of closed circuit television cameras. Parking areas are also well guarded from the point a car enters the area till it leaves the premises. Top management of malls and retail centres goes to great lengths to ensure that they are well prepared for emergencies because they feel that mall safety is a crucial part of retail operations, because the sense of security keeps customers within their doors. Security and safety are important factors that attract customers to a shopping center. It is just natural for customers to shy away from a shopping center that has a history of untoward incidents. Customers prefer shopping at malls because they feel safe and secure.

Mr Pradip Jain, CMD, Parsvnath Developers says, “At any given point of time, shopping malls are much safer and secured destinations than high streets. Any developer irrespective of its size and stature makes sure that the security arrangements at a shopping mall are world class and foolproof. Apart from this, being a developer it is our moral responsibility to ensure that our shop owners and tenants are offered a safe environment to work.”

Mr Arif Sheikh, CEO, Ansal Shopping Malls says, “To provide foolproof security to visitors, we have fixed the responsibility of traders also by appointing two of their employees for keeping an eye on the movements of suspicious persons, besides their own security arrangements. They have also sought the help of Israeli experts for malls security.  All 850 retailers of our 5 malls are registered with them for this.” 

Mr Pawanjit Ahluwalia, MD, security agency Premium Shield says, “In the wake of recent disturbances in the country and continued threat perception in the city, elaborate security measures like CCTVs, doorframes, handheld metal detectors, etc. have been deployed besides forming quick reaction teams on every floor. Malls are checked every hour- including toilets and dustbins and random checking of customers as well. Such a tight security arrangement is not possible in markets for obvious reasons.”

Annotation

Most terrorist activities take place because adequate safety measures are not taken. In order to eradicate the possibility of a catastrophe, it is imperative that security be treated as an investment for the safety of not only the public, but also of the mall fraternity.