Security company Fidelity Services Group urges all shoppers to be vigilant at malls and shopping centres and to be aware of a spike in follow-home incidents this time of year.
“Black Friday is on 24 November and will no doubt have shoppers flocking to take advantage of bargain prices. A lot of people will take advantage of online specials which have already started but there will also be a flux of shoppers bustling to get their festive season shopping done over the next few weeks,” said the head of marketing and communications at the Fidelity Services Group, Charnel Hattingh.
She added that mall security guards will be on high alert during the period for pickpockets and other suspicious activity but in most cases, shoppers are followed home from the malls and hijacked in their driveways.
“Criminals are aware these shoppers have a car full of newly-purchased items and are generally easy, distracted targets.” She advised shoppers to keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles when exiting the shopping centre. If you suspect you are being followed drive immediately to your nearest police station or security provider guard house,” she added.
Hattingh also reminded drivers to remember the general hijacking safety tips such as waiting in the road for the gate to open before driving in and making sure the gate is closed properly behind the vehicle before getting out.
“When in the mall or centre carry as little as possible in your handbag or pockets and rather leave unnecessary bank or store cards and large amounts of cash at home. A packed clothing store or supermarket is the prime hunting ground for a pick-pocket or bag-snatcher. And, never leave a handbag, purse, or wallet in a trolley. If you do not use a bag or do not take one along, keep your wallet or purse in the front pocket of your jacket or trousers. Criminals are also targeting phones so make sure your phone is out of sight either in a zipped-up bag or in a front pocket.”
“If you are drawing large amounts of cash, take someone along to keep watch while you are at the ATM and to keep a lookout for any suspicious individuals or vehicles on the way home. If you can avoid drawing large sums of cash, do so. Electronic payments are the safer route,” said Hattingh.
If you are shopping in a strip shopping mall she also warned against parking close by to any Cash-in-transit vehicles.
“Unfortunately, CIT attacks are on the rise and it is safer to park away from these vehicles and to never intercept their exit routes in case of an incident. They are already on high alert and cannot afford to be distracted by shoppers,” she added.
Your safety outside the mall is just as important as it is inside, she added.
“Before you exit the mall, have your keys ready so that no time is wasted to get your purchases and yourself into the car. This also means that you will be able to hold onto your handbag as you walk. If someone does try to snatch your handbag, let it go. Do not resist or fight back,” she advised.
Lastly, Hattingh suggested avoiding shopping late at night.
“While the idea of a quieter shopping mall may seem appealing, you are more vulnerable in the car parks, mall bathrooms and the like. If you have no other choice, be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the mall security. Let’s make our shopping experiences happy and crime-free,” she concluded.
