Shoppers’ advise from security experts

Citizens have been urged to make their shopping experience this festive season a happy and crime-free one by avoiding shopping late at night.

This was said by Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT Security company as hordes invade malls for deals from Black Friday on 29 November to the New Year. “While the idea of a quieter shopping mall may seem appealing, you are more vulnerable in the car parks, mall bathrooms and the likes,” Hattingh said.

“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 said Black Friday shoppers will flock malls as part of the shopping season to take advantage of bargain prices. “We urge them to be vigilant and to remember the general spike in follow-home incidents at this time of year.”

Hattingh said in most cases shoppers are followed from the malls and hijacked in their driveways. “Criminals are aware they have a car full of newly-purchased items and are generally, easy and distracted targets.”

She advised shoppers to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles when exiting the malls. “If you suspect you are being followed, drive to your nearest police station or security provider guard house.”

Hattingh reminded drivers to remember general hijacking safety tips like 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.

“Carry as little as possible in your handbag or pockets when in malls or leave unnecessary bank or store cards and large amounts of cash at home.

“A packed supermarket or store is prime hunting-ground for pick-pockets or bag-snatchers. And, never leave a handbag, purse or wallet in a trolley.

“If without a bag, keep your wallet or purse in the front pocket of your jacket or trousers.”

She said with criminals also targeting phones shoppers should ensure they are out of sight, in a zipped-up bag or in a front pocket.

“If you draw large amounts of cash, have someone at an ATM to look out for suspicious individuals or vehicles on the way home.

“If you can, avoid drawing large amounts in preference for electronic payments.”

She reminded shoppers of the importance of their safety when outside and outside malls. “Before exiting, have your keys ready to avoid wasting time when putting items in the vehicle.”

She also urged shoppers to hold onto their handbag when walking. “But if someone tries to snatch the bag, let it go and don’t resist.”

Related Article: 

https://alexnews.co.za/145704/safety-witnessing-crime-roads/