Michael Hill will be heightening security measures, including using DNA tracking spray, in stores across New Zealand in response to a spate of robberies and smash and grabs that have targeted its stores
Daniel Bracken, Michael Hill CEO, said he shares the concern of many New Zealand citizens and is appalled by the attacks, particularly the daytime smash and grabs in Hamilton and Albany.
"In consultation with the New Zealand police, we have significantly increased our security and protection protocols to ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect our team members and customers," he said today in a statement.
Part of the security process is fitting all stores with a DNA tracking spray mechanism to assist in identifying and apprehending the criminals involved.
DNA spray technology can be activated by store staff and released as a shower of liquid during a robbery. Traces of the solution, which is invisible and harmless, can be taken from offenders' skin, hair and clothing to prove they were at a specific store.
The DNA solution remains on a person for several weeks, clinging to fibres and in creases of the skin.
Other security measures being implemented include security guards positioned at stores, fog cannons and alarm screamers, additional security cameras in and around stores, personal alarms for staff and extra security measures at night.
In addition to this, Bracken said the company is continuing to offer counselling support to all team members and customers who were involved in these incidents.
Rob Fyfe, Michael Hill chairman, said the frequency of these increasingly brazen attacks are reaching a level where some businesses are forced to permanently close store.
"In attacking our stores, these thieves not only rob us of our products, but they rob our staff and customers of the right to feel safe as they move about our stores and shopping centres," Fyfe maintained.
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