The head of the Supermarket Association, Rajiv Diptee, is calling for more joint patrols after closing hours and assistance to deal with the issue of shoplifting.
He said after closing time, most businesses are targeted.
In the senate on Tuesday, National Security Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds said the police has since begun “enhanced stakeholder engagements” with supermarket owners and the business community.
Some of the efforts, he said, include increased stop-and-search efforts in and around business areas which include supermarkets.
Another strategy he listed was active directed patrols, which he described as “a scientifically-driven patrol initiative that utilises crime and problem-analysis data to map patrol zones and beats.”
However, Diptee, in a Newsday interview, said security falls among the top three expenses of supermarket owners.
He told the media house that he would like to see more joint patrols at night, as “you don’t see them (police) as much as you would like to” at that time.
“And that’s when you see a lot of businesses and business people come under attack. I’ve heard it identified as an issue.
“You’re also hearing from the wider business community that some stores, depending on where they’re located, if they feel the after-hour environment is not safe enough, they’re just simply choosing to close earlier.”
He said many communities have WhatsApp groups for joint monitoring and called on the public to increase those efforts.