ALBERTON – According to 1st for Women Insurance, gangs normally consist of four to five heavily armed criminals and target shops that trade in jewellery, electronics, cellphones, jewellery and exclusive clothing.
These experiences are highly traumatic and it’s imperative to know what to do both during and after such an event.
1st for Women Insurance provide guidelines of what to do in the case of a mall robbery:
• Stay alert. Always be aware, particularly if you’re in a place that could potentially be held up, such as a bank or a small store.
• Avoid high-target stores around opening and closing times.
• Decide how and where you and your friends or family will reunite in the event of a robbery – remember that you may not have your cell phone.
• Don’t confront anyone – robbers are likely to be armed.
• Avoid withdrawing large sums of money in a bank and carry little cash.
• Report suspicious activity discreetly to the management, the information desk or security staff and then calmly leave.
• Always signify your intention to the robbers to cooperate. Avoid eye contact. Respond promptly to requests and do not act aggressively.
• Should robbers demand personal items, hand it over immediately
• If you are near an exit and it is safe to do so, leave immediately. Phone 10111 for help if impossible.
• Your chances of surviving are increased if you stay calm and don’t do anything to set off the volatility of the robbers.
• If you can, try to help other people to stay calm.
• Seek help or counselling for post traumatic stress after the event. 1st for Women Insurance provides trauma assistance which can be utilised after an event like this.
