Editor's choiceEditor's noteLocal newsNews
Ten safety tips for busy shopping malls
With the holidays approaching, shopping malls and supermarkets will be more crowded than at any other time.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2014/11/Handbag-theft-1024x682.jpg)
In this festive atmosphere, your thoughts won’t always be on safety but rather on gifts, food and toys for Christmas.
We live in a world where crime is at the epicentre, leaving your guard down can open the door for purse snatchers who see an easy way to grab a purse or handbag dangling from a shoulder.
Thieves grab and run before you can even register what happened.
Take these following precautions whenever you go out with your purse or wallet.
- When doing your shopping, don’t carry any more cash or credit cards than you absolutely need. Never carry large amounts of money.
- Walk in busy, well-lit areas.
- Walk briskly and confidently and try taking a friend.
- Be aware of the area and the people, especially if you find yourself having to walk in an isolated or lightly populated area.
- Look at the person who might approach or pass you, do not look away and look at their hands or at what they might be carrying.
- If you do not appear to be vulnerable and will be able to give their description, they just might keep walking past you.
- Hold your purse or handbag tightly and close to your body, whether on a bus, train or walking.
- Shorten the strap on your purse or handbag so you can carry it tightly between your elbow and body.
- Report anything or anyone suspicious, if you suspect that someone seems to be lurking in some place that they do not belong, contact security if you are in a mall, or the manager if you are in a supermarket.
- When seated at outdoor eateries, restaurants, coffee shops or park benches do not leave your handbag on the seat next to you.