Shopping mall alert for South Africans across the country
With the festive season approaching, South African malls and their shoppers become prime targets for criminals across the country.
In 2024, a spike in robberies, shoplifting, and follow-home attacks has raised concerns among law enforcement and security experts, making it essential for South Africans to be vigilant during their shopping trips.
Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows a concerning rise in certain crime categories. In the latest crime statistics, robberies and thefts at commercial premises have increased by 2.7% compared to last year, with hijackings and car thefts also seeing a marked rise.
These trends are most pronounced in provinces with larger shopping centres, such as Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, with Gauteng leading in commercial crime cases.
This increase aligns with Fidelity Services Group’s warning about the sophistication of criminal operations during peak shopping times, often fueled by insider information that helps criminals execute well-coordinated robberies at shopping malls, retail stores, and even petrol stations.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity Services Group, advises shoppers to be prepared and aware of their surroundings.
Hattingh emphasises that calmness is key in the event of a robbery, noting that heightened emotional responses can escalate situations.
Shoppers are urged to cooperate with robbers if caught in such situations, avoid sudden movements, and refrain from using cell phones to prevent triggering assailants.
Staying low to the ground and moving to a sheltered location can also help minimize exposure to potential harm.
In addition to personal safety, shoppers are advised to make themselves less attractive targets by minimising the visible value of their belongings.
This includes carrying only essential items, keeping valuables like cell phones and jewellery out of sight, and avoiding large sums of cash.
Many malls now follow protocols that allow store personnel to close shutters and move customers to safe areas when a threat arises.
Hattingh notes that while robbers often aim for cash and high-value items, there is always a risk that an incident could turn violent, and shoppers should, therefore, remain composed and alert.
As pointed out by Fidelity ADT, a particularly concerning trend is the increase in follow-home attacks during peak shopping seasons.
Criminals frequently monitor mall patrons who have made substantial purchases and then follow them home to commit robbery, often targeting vehicles laden with newly acquired goods.
To avoid these incidents, Hattingh recommends that shoppers avoid drawing attention by limiting the number of visible purchases in their vehicles and promptly reporting any suspicious activity if they suspect they are being followed.
Law enforcement and security firms are stepping up efforts to manage the risks associated with holiday shopping.
However, individuals still play a crucial role in their own safety.
Shoppers are encouraged to plan visits during daylight hours, avoid secluded mall parking lots, and stay in well-lit areas near entrances.
Awareness of emergency procedures and exit routes within malls can also provide an added layer of security should an incident occur.
Amid these warnings, the SAPS has indicated progress in reducing some violent crime categories this year, thanks to increased police presence and active enforcement, but the numbers remain concerning.
With crime statistics indicating a persistent risk in populated areas, SAPS and security firms alike are urging shoppers to adopt a defensive mindset and not be lulled by the festivities into a false sense of security.
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