Protect yourself in shopping centres

Fidelity ADT share their 10 reasons criminals find easy targets in shopping centres.

Despite Covid-19 having taken its toll on consumers’ pockets, the festive season will definitely see many people visiting shopping centres, whether for gifts, preparing for a Christmas lunch or general shopping.

Head of marketing and communication for Fidelity Service Group Charnel Hattingh said, “This rejuvenation of freedom has also attracted criminals to busy shopping environments because they find easy pickings there.”

To assist shoppers from falling victims to crime, here are Hattingh’s 10 reasons criminals find easy targets in shopping centres:

• There are a lot of people in one area which makes it easy for them to disappear into the crowd once they have stolen your handbag or shoplifted.
• Women with children are often distracted. Turning away from your trolley with your handbag in it for even two seconds is time enough for a criminal to take advantage of.
• Criminals can blend in with other families. Women use children to steal cell phones, handbags and the likes, especially in restaurants where they are ‘innocently’ waiting to be served. After the crime is committed, they simply walk off into the busy crowd and blend in.
• Be careful of ‘Good Samaritans’ at ATM machines who are usually are criminals who will use the opportunity to steal your pin or card.
• It is easy to sit in a car and remote jam cars. Always check your car is in fact locked before walking away.
• Shoppers are careless with their valuables, handbags hung over chairs at restaurants and cell phones on the table. A criminal will not hesitate to grab your belongings and be gone in a matter of seconds.
• Most people do not notice what is going on around them. Always take note of your surroundings, especially when you are walking back to your car. Check where the car guard or a security guard is and signal for help immediately if you are suddenly approached by a stranger.
• People are used to being approached by beggars and hawkers. Criminals are masters of disguise and will use any means possible to get what they want. Do not speak to strangers and if anyone is making you feel uncomfortable, go to a security guard and report them.
• Everyone has to wear a mask. Covid-19 has done criminals a favour in this respect because now they really do look just like you and I and can commit their crimes without anyone seeing their faces.

Hattingh concluded, “With the festive season approaching, shopping centres will be busy, regardless of the negative effects of Covid-19 on the economy and consumers’ pockets. Remain on guard at all times while shopping, be aware of who is around you and especially keep your children and valuables safe.”

Details: www.adt.co.za