The Hindu Business Line : Malls beef up security in the wake of terror threats

New Delhi, Aug. 4 Hanging out at malls may become a trifle more difficult in the light of terror attacks in cities. Taking the security scenario seriously, mall managements are in the process of beefing up security, including frisking visitors and scanning purchases.

In the last month alone, there has been seen a 15-25 per cent increase in demand for private security personnel at malls. The Future Group, for instance, has, for its large format retail store Big Bazaar increased the presence of both plainclothesmen as well as uniformed security by as much as 15 per cent from the present strength of about 30 guards per store. “Besides, all large format stores will have two security personnel at the baggage counters who will check the customer’s bag before accepting it. Customers will be screened through hand-held metal detectors or door-fixed metal detectors at the time of entering the stores.

“Security has also been enhanced at important locations within the store, like the air conditioning plant and control room, besides the warehouse. Every store has emergency numbers displayed at the back office, customer care desk,” a Pantaloon Retail spokesperson said.

RPG and Reliance too are reviewing their security set-up. Currently, on an average, the investment in security-related mechanism can range from Rs 30 lakh to upward of Rs 2.5 crore annually depending on store size. Industry observers feel this needs to be enhanced substantially in the current security environment with malls attracting a footfall of around 30,000 on a weekday, increasing to 85,000 on a weekend.

Real estate developer Ansal API, which operates a slew of malls across the country, has its own mall management company to look into the overall security issues.

“The security measures adopted by malls vary from employing the services of trained officials including those with defence background and commando training,” said Mr Kunal Banerjee, President (Marketing), Ansal Properties and Infrastructure.

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