Stay safe and be alert during festive season shopping

POLOKWANE – With the holidays and festive season around the corner everyone is excited about the rest, fun and presents to buy and also want to avoid thinking about the ever present crime situation.

Unfortunately it is also a known fact that criminals like to zoom in during this time while people are in a relaxed mood and festive spirit and many focus on planning and shopping for Christmas and the holidays.

According to experts the chance is good that you will not need to worry about crime if you are aware and prepared.

Review spoke to Jurgens Nel, head of security at Mall of the North, about safety while shopping

• Your safety and the safety of your belongings start with you

“First of all people must be aware of responsibility. Whether you like it or not, your safety and the safety of your belongings start with you. If you are negligent, you will pay the price and must take the loss.

“You can blame your friend, your children, the government or security but ultimately you will have to accept the loss and that maybe you could have been more vigilant. Take responsibility,” he advises.

• Ensure all valuable items are left at home

Ensure you don’t have all kinds of valuables like laptops, cell phones and parcels in your car as this will make your car less of a target to criminals on the lookout for vehicles to break into.

“Also don’t think ‘I will just lock it in my boot’ at the mall as criminals might see you and then target your vehicle.

• Ensure your car is locked when walking away

“Most of us are spoiled with remote locking devices. The problem is that remote jammers works on most vehicle makes which means that your car may not lock with your remote and you will return to an undamaged car, but it will be empty. Check that you have locked your vehicle.”

• Be vigilant when withdrawing large amounts of cash

Some people still draw large amounts of cash and leave it under their car seats while they go shopping or grab something to eat.

Criminals stand around in banks pretending to be busy with banking, but they are actually checking for people who make big withdrawals.

Information regarding big withdrawals can come from numerous sources, even from your friendly bank official. Don’t leave money or any other valuables in your vehicle, says Nel.

• Be aware of pickpocketers

“Pickpocketing is very alive in Polokwane. Even if you zip up your handbag you will find yourself unable to pay for goods at the till point as your handbag will be open and your wallet gone.

“Strangers suddenly starting to talk to you about how a dress will look on them, brushing against you or stretching past you to get something are probably busy distracting you so that their accomplices can open your handbag and steal your stuff. Please do not leave your wallet, handbag or cell phone in your trolley or pram.”

If you’re not staff you don’t qualify for staff prices. If any alleged staff member of a store approaches you with this offer or an offer of vouchers at discounted prices, turn them down immediately or at least go find out from store management if the deal is indeed authentic, states Nel.

• Don’t leave valuables in full sight when in the restrooms

Shoppers at malls often leave cell phones on toilet roll-holders or take off jewellery when washing hands. Losing a valuable (sometimes irreplaceable) item is bad enough, losing it because you did not look after it is 10 times worse, because only you are to blame.

“Mall security and the SAPS cannot help you as there is no sure way to pinpoint the culprit in the absence of cameras in bathrooms.”

“Remember your possessions are most important to you. Nobody else attaches the same value to them as you. Treat them with great care.”

“In the shopping environment criminals are the best dressed, friendliest and most likable individuals”

All the above are not only Gauteng phenomena – they occur and are applicable right here in Polokwane so you better believe it and be prepared.

Also remember criminals do what they do for a job. “They are not stupid, in fact quite the contrary. Do not underestimate them.

“When it comes to crime a healthy measure of paranoia and suspicion might be just what is needed.

“Stay alert and have a fantastic, safe and blessed holiday season,” concludes Nel.