The recent terror attack in a shopping centre at Nairobi has brought security in the city’s malls in focus.
While some malls have been struggling to add guards to augment security, others continue to use defunct door-frame metal detectors and unarmed guards, making the premises soft targets for terrorists.
A closer look at security in most shopping complexes in the city reveals their vulnerability. In some shopping complexes, vehicles entering the premises are not checked properly. After parking, the vehicle owner has to enter the mall through the staircase in the rear, where there is no frisking.
The city is always a soft target for terrorists, if bomb blasts in the past are any indication. The National Investigation Agency, which is probing blast cases, has said that elusive Indian Mujahideen operatives Mohammed Tahseen Akhtar alias Monu and Waqas alias Javed are plotting future terrorist strikes.
Police say periodic advisories on the need to improve checking have been issued to the managements. Inspections were also being conducted regularly at commercial establishments to take stock of the situation, they explained. When contacted, City Security Wing DCP A. R. Srinivas said the department was regularly keeping a vigil on the malls, asking them to ensure proper security.
