Shopping mall warning for South Africa

Security firm Fidelity ADT has warned South Africans of the rise in criminals targeting smartphones and cars at shopping malls across the country, while it previously highlighted cases of “follow-home” attacks.

Fidelity has highlighted that shopping centres remain prime targets for opportunistic criminals in 2025, with cellphone snatching and remote car jamming among the most prevalent crimes.

The security group noted that criminals in South Africa exploit distraction and complacency and, therefore, staying vigilant is your best defence.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity Services Group, warns that cellphone snatching is commonplace and happens in seconds.

“Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, waiting for an e-hailing ride, or walking through a shopping centre, criminals strike when you least expect it.

“We urge everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and not get distracted checking for messages when out and about,” Hattingh said.

She added that car theft using remote jamming is another favourite tactic among criminals lurking around parking spaces at shopping malls and centres.

“Thieves use devices that block your car remote’s signal, preventing it from locking,” Hattingh explained. “Motorists assume their car is secure, only to return and find their belongings stolen—without any sign of forced entry.”

At the end of 2024, Fidelity also raised the alarm over follow-home attacks, which raised concerns among law enforcement and security experts, making it essential for South Africans to be vigilant during their shopping trips.

Hattingh highlighted that criminals frequently monitor mall patrons who have made substantial purchases and then follow them home to commit robbery at their gate or in their driveway.

She stressed that criminals target vehicles laden with newly acquired goods, with customers of high-end branded goods often falling victim.

High level of crime daily in South Africa

Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows a concerning number of crimes in certain categories, including commercial premises such as shopping malls.

According to the latest crime statistics, 12,412 robberies and thefts at commercial premises occurred in the last three months of 2024, which is 138 incidents per day.

Additionally, hijackings and car thefts were recorded at 4,807 and 7,791, respectively. Collectively, this works out to 140 incidents a day, albeit not all occurred at shopping centres.

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.

Considering the increasing trend of the tactics being used by criminals in shopping malls across South Africa, Fidelity ADT provided some tips to reduce your risk of becoming a victim:

• Plan your route – Avoid dimly lit or isolated areas and aim to return home before dark.

• Stay alert – Keep earphones out while walking to hear and observe your surroundings.

• Wait in safe areas – Stand in well-lit, populated locations when using e-hailing services and try and keep your cell phone out of sight.

• Keep valuables hidden – Store your phone in a bag or inside a jacket pocket instead of holding it.

• Shop in pairs – Criminals are less likely to target groups, and a companion can help in an emergency.

• Report all incidents – Even attempted thefts should be reported to help law enforcement track crime patterns.

• Physically check your car doors – Always pull the handle to confirm they’re locked before walking away.

• Stay aware of your surroundings – Watch for loitering individuals or suspicious activity in parking areas.

• Park strategically – Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas with a visible security presence.

• Be discreet with valuables – When opening your boot, be mindful of who’s watching.

• Avoid leaving items in plain sight – Laptops, handbags, and other valuables should be out of view.

• Prioritise safety over convenience – Park near security guards or car guards whenever possible.

• Consider vehicle tracking – A GPS tracker adds an extra layer of security.