The effects of crime in the South African Post Office : a case of the North East Region

Abstract

This paper argues that crime in the Postal Services is gradually becoming a challenge all over the world. Reliable statistics indicate that there is an increase on a yearly basis in criminal activities within postal services globally. The South African Post Office as part of a global institution, it is not immune to types of crimes associated to this industry. For the South African Post Office (SAPO) to play a leading role in reducing crime upward trajectory line, it has to seriously impose on security measures to reduce it. This paper is therefore based on the study that was conducted in the South African Post Office, North East Region. The primary objective of this study is to recommend crime prevention strategies which can assist in reducing crime and conscientising the South African Post Office employees on the effects of crime and the consequence thereof. The research method employed in the study was both qualitative and quantitative. Different textbooks, journal articles, the internet, Acts and other documents were consulted for secondary data sources. From the study, it is concluded that crime has a detrimental effect on Post Office reputation, low profit margins, reduced public confidence and reduced commitment by SAPO staff members. This paper recommends that SAPO should serious employ crime prevention strategies especially in areas where critical transactions are performed.