Airport car thieves locked out
2006-10-05 17:40
Johannesburg - Not a single car had been stolen at Johannesburg International Airport so far this year because of improved security, said the Airports Company of South Africa on Thursday.
Johannesburg International Airport general manager Chris Hlekane said no cars had been stolen despite 358 cases of windows being left open and 66 cars being left unlocked.
Hlekane was discussing developments made in security, customer service and infrastructure at the airport.
After complaints from passengers, the airport had increased its focus on illegal taxis, porters and loiterers.
"Acsa has employed the services of a private security company, supported by police, to help in this regard and notices had been issued to illegal operators," said Hlekane.
The taxis had since stopped operating.
Surveillance cameras
Referring to baggage handling, Hlekane said the airport was buying automated tracking equipment "to reduce the human intervention".
The increased number of surveillance cameras and analysts as well as intensified operations by Acsa security and police had led to 22 arrests of employees in the baggage-handling area.
More surveillance cameras would be installed before the end of the year.
Hlekane said that as part of Acsa's R5.2bn infrastructure development programme, R3.5bn would go to Johannesburg International.
The money would go towards the linking of international and domestic terminals, and additional parking bays.
- SAPA