What to do during a mall robbery
As the retail festive season approaches, the risk of mall robberies unfortunately increases and knowing what to do in such an event could save your life.
As the retail festive season approaches, the risk of mall robberies rises sharply.
Knowing what to do in such an event could save your life.
This is the word from Malcolm Stephens, an executive with the Fidelity Security Group.
“The golden rule if you ever are caught in the middle of a heist is to stay calm,” said Stephens.
He implored customers to remain vigilant at all times.
They should be on the lookout for suspicious activities and be aware of the people around them.
He offered the following tips if you are in the store that is being robbed:
– Co-operate with the robbers for your own safety. Listen to their instructions closely and follow their instructions.
– Try and keep as calm as possible. Everyone reacts in a different way but try and breathe deeply until help arrives.
– Do not use your cellphone while the robbery is in process, this could agitate the assailants.
– Immediately try and find a sheltered spot and keep low on the ground.
ALSO READ: Four nabbed after Silverton robbery
– Take note of the assailants to pass information on to the authorities i.e. what they were wearing, any distinctive clothes, markings, jewellery.
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.
If you are not in the store being robbed:
– Try and find a store close to you and secure yourself by asking staff to lower the roller shutter doors.
– Do not try and exit via the standard entry and exit points as these are the same points the robbers will be using.
Many malls now have standard operating procedures to lock down the mall.
Stephens said crime was 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.”
He said it often took some time to experience and deal with the post-traumatic stress following such robberies.
ALSO READ: North man sentenced to 15 years for east business robbery
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