Not only are violent mall robberies on the increase, as the case recently was at Clearwater Mall, but shoppers must also remain vigilant in order to not fall prey to lesser crimes.
According to Louis Grobler of Security in Practice (SIP) the police recently issued a warning specifically relating to this issue. “The police requested that people be made aware of possible robberies whilst shopping in large centres as the silly season has started. Please be on the lookout and woman please clutch your bags and keep your eyes wide open when approaching your parked car. Do not leave your bag on top of your purchases in the shopping trolley or dangling from the trolley en route to your car. Citizens create opportunities and criminals exploit these opportunities to carry out their evil deeds,” said Grobler.
Other handy tips include:
• Be mindful of your parking spot and park as close as possible to the store. Try to shop during the day, but if you must shop at night, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Try to avoid parking near cars with dark tinted windows, or cars that obstruct your view.
• Do not leave car doors unlocked or the windows down /sunroof open, even if you’re just making a quick stop. Thieves are good – and fast – at what they do.
• Avoid a smash-and-grab – don’t leave anything in plain view in your car that could perceived as valuable.
• Prior to arriving at the mall, lock all valuables in the trunk of your vehicle. When at the mall, do not take packages to your car and then return to the store. Packages should be secured in the vehicle trunk only before leaving to go home or to another shopping centre.
• Don’t fumble for your keys when you arrive at your car. Have them ready to use before leaving your home, job or the mall.
• Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within distance of your car door. And only unlock the driver’s door, unless others are riding with you.
• If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
• When banking, be aware of your surroundings in drive-up ATMs and when returning to the parking lot from a walk-up ATM or inside the bank.
• At home, park your vehicle in your garage or lock your door when taking packages into and out of your house. Do not leave your keys, garage door opener, valuables (such as laptop computers, tablets, backpacks or purses) or items with personal information in plain view.
While Shopping:
• Shop with a friend. There’s safety in numbers.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Carry only the credit cards you intend to use.
• Do not carry a wallet in your back pocket. It should be in your front pocket.
• If you carry a purse, wear the straps across your body instead of around your arms or shoulders.
• Don’t buy more than you can safely carry. Ask a friend or store employee to help you carry your purchases to your vehicle.
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