VANDERBIJLPARK. – Christmas is just around the corner and shopping sprees in malls are part of the festive fun. But it won’t be fun if you are in a mall and a robbery takes place. Knowing what to do in such a situation could save your life, as well as the lives of your loved ones.
According to Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing & Communications Manager for Fidelity ADT, the golden rule when caught in the middle of a heist is to stay calm.
That might be very difficult to do, thus prevention is always better than cure. Be awake and vigilant at all times. Be aware of the people around you.
Fidelity ADT provides the following useful advice:
• Co-operate with robbers for your own safety. Listen to their instructions closely and follow them.
• Try and keep as calm as possible. Take deep breaths.
• Do not use your cellphone whilst the robbery is in process, this could agitate them.
• Try and find a sheltered spot and keep low on the ground.
• Take note of the assailants to pass information on to the authorities i.e. what they were wearing, any distinctive clothes, markings, jewellery etc. Try and remember what they look like i.e. height, weight, etc.
• Ensure your children are kept close to you at all times. Do not let children wander off while you are shopping.
• Do not shop with large amounts of cash or valuables.

Hattingh says crime is becoming more sophisticated, with inside information playing an increasingly prominent role. “Whether you were in the store being robbed, or just witnessed the incident in the centre, you should seek counselling, regardless of how you might feel. It often takes some time to experience and deal with the post-traumatic stress  following such robberies.”