Enhanced security measures under consideration in Old Town Riga following a robbery - security expert weighs in
Revised Article:
Hold up, Riga! That watch shop heist ain't a clear sign of crime surge in our beloved city, but it sure does stir conversations about beefing up security for upscale stores, according to Artis Velss, security chief at G4S Latvija and a former cop.
Velss reckons the search for those crooks and the buzz surrounding the robbery footage could mislead some folks into thinking crime's on the rise. He's quick to point out though, armed robberies of retail joints were way more common in the '90s and Y2K era.
While the hunt for the culprits might've caused a hiccup in people's commutes, Velss acknowledges his old pals in the force were right to swing into action—the crew was armed and bold enough to pull off the daylight heist in the city center.
As for the details of the crime, Velss isn't in the know, but he agrees with Raimonds Kronbergs, Riga's top cop, that the watch shop might've been taken by an organized, mobile crew specializing in these types of jobs.
In terms of store security for pricey goods, Velss sees a pattern: entrepreneurs tend to be complacent thinking crime's dropping in Latvia, so they skimp on security investments.
"Sure thing, crime's on a downward spiral in Latvia," Velss said, "But let's not forget, incidents like this week's robbery still slip through the cracks."
Velss emphasizes that security companies worldwide peddle all manner of tech-based protective measures that are currently all the rage. Having a beefy guard on duty might deter would-be baddies, but it ain't always the solution.
In the realm of security solutions, video analytics and AI tech are on the rise, offering timely triggers for security systems, such as shutting a shop door during a crime, or spraying gas to confuse thieves.
As LETA previously reported, last Tuesday, the swanky Baltic Watches store was hit by a gun-toting gang. One poor soul was hurt in the melee and carted off to the hospital, while a video on social media showed four masked bastards bolting from the shop, one of them spraysomethin' strange towards the door.
Cops think the perps took off across the Akmens Bridge in a gray Volkswagen Golf 5 with bogus tags. Proceedings for robbery, armed or otherwise, have been initiated, and an investigation into property damage and the gang's whereabouts is ongoing.
The cops are askin' civilians to keep an eye out for the suspects and their ride and to alert authorities if they spot them lurkin' around or parked suspiciously in some out-of-the-way spot.
Stay safe out there, Riga! And remember, better safe than sorry.
Enrichment Data:
- Reasons for Increased Security Measures:
- High-Value Targets: Luxury and high-value goods shops are common targets for thieves due to the high resale value of their merchandise.
- Fraud and Scams: Latvia has been involved in operations against fraud and scams, which might indirectly influence the need for tighter security in all sectors, including retail.
- Attractive to Tourists: Riga's status as a tourist hub could increase the risk of theft or other security incidents, as it draws a higher volume of foot traffic.
- Technology-Based Solutions:
- Surveillance Systems: High-resolution CCTV, AI-powered video analytics, biometric entry, smart locks.
- Inventory Management and Tracking: RFID tags, smart shelves.
- Communication and Response Systems: Secure communication devices, emergency alert systems.
These measures can help protect exclusive goods shops from theft and provide a safer environment for both customers and employees.
- Velss, the security chief at G4S Latvija, suggested that the heist at the watch shop in Riga might prompt discussions about implementing enhanced security for upscale stores, especially with technology-based solutions like high-resolution CCTV and AI-powered video analytics, due to luxury goods being high-value targets for thieves.
- Despite a general decrease in crime in Latvia, as agreed on by both Velss and Raimonds Kronbergs, incidents like the recent armed robbery at the Baltic Watches store could still occur due to the city's status as a tourist hub and the attractive nature of high-value goods shops, thus highlighting the need for increased security, triggering calls for action.
- As a part of the security enrichment plan, the implementation of smart locks and inventory management systems, such as RFID tags and smart shelves, could bolster security in exclusive goods shops, ensuring more efficient tracking of merchandise and preventing potential theft.
- In addition to these technological solutions, the use of secure communication devices and emergency alert systems can facilitate better communication and a quicker response from security personnel when incidents do occur, as seen in the aftermath of the publicized heist at the Baltic Watches store.
- With technology becoming a more integrated part of security measures in exclusive goods shops, it is crucial for store owners to prioritize their security investments, even in times when crime seems to be declining, to minimize the risk of theft and create a safer environment for both customers and employees – a sentiment that was echoed by Velss in his discussions on crime patterns in Latvia.
