“Could I have your attention please – would customers keep all wallets, purses, handbags, and the like, secure at all times.”
We've all heard this announcement broadcast over the public address system at the market. In other words- “Watch out! You are in danger of having your valuables stolen by thieves at the Queen Victoria Market.” OK, thievery is a fact of life in most crowded places around the world although we wonder whether anybody has heard such an announcement on their travels. Sure, you can read warnings in travel guides and the like but not public announcements. Are we likely to hear such an announcement at Westfield Shopping Centres or at Flinders Street Station? Are you more likely to have your wallet stolen at The Queen Victoria Market than those places?
The point is that the QVM announcement is anti-customer. It creates an unnecessary expectation of thievery and reflects poorly on our market as a legitimate alternative to almost any other shopping venue in Melbourne.
May we suggest that instead of absolving our security responsibilities by making public announcements we use more professional (and discrete) methods.
Let us know what you think about this issue.