Shopkeepers called to be vigilant during festive season

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Business enterprises, especially Supermarkets in the city and suburbs are kept open till late night during the festive season. "The employees of such places need be vigilant", the Police warned. They have to keep a close tab on visitors because of the anti-social elements operating in the city.

An incident occurred at the Cargills Supermarket, Kottawa last week. The time was 11.10 pm. The Supermarket is located in the heart of the Kottawa town. There were a few customers inside. Suddenly three persons armed with pistols threatened the crowd and demanded money.

Although a female employee who was hiding under a counter tried to contact 119, the Police emergency, there was no response and she in turn called the Kottawa Police.

By the time, the Police arrived at scene, the three member gang had fled with cash amounting to Rs. 31,000 and two rum bottles. A member of the gang who tried to snatch the gold chain of a woman customer, pitied her following her repeated pleading.

When contacted, Kottawa Police OIC M. L. Mahagedara said that the gang was taken into custody after two days when they were engaged in a similar robbery at another Supermarket at Kottawa.

They would be produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate.

However, the OIC urged all owners of business places in the locality to be more vigilant, especially during this festive season.