Shoppers advised to be cautious this Black Friday – Bedforview CPF

Bedfordview CPF has advised shoppers to be cautious during the upcoming Black Friday.

Black Friday is a shopping day where retailers, either big or small, reduce their prices on merchandise and offer a lot of special deals on services.

“Shoppers go in numbers for these bargains and deals in the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s Day. Some of the retailers open as early as midnight and shoppers queue all night long waiting for the shops to open as soon as the doors are opened, they start pushing others to be the first inside the shop to grab the item on sale.

“In the process, there is a real possibility of a stampede occurring, resulting in injuries or even death,” explained BCPF’s chairperson, Janine Dalgleish.

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As a result, the BCPF urges shoppers to be patient and considerate of one another.

Shoppers are also advised to remain vigilant and careful over the festive season, as opportunistic criminals are also on the lookout to steal money and other valuables during the rush.

“We are pleading with all of our community to be aware of their surroundings at all times as large crowds of people tend to draw criminal elements.

“Criminals may follow individuals from one point to another and should any member of the public feel intimidated or threatened at any time, they are requested to approach any one of the centre’s or mall security guards to alert them to these possible criminal elements.

“It is critical that shoppers avoid carrying large sums of cash as criminals will be on the lookout for such people and they become an easy target, given the influx of shoppers during the next few weeks,” shared Dalgleish.

Adding that while shopping keep your head up and your phone away to maintain awareness of your surroundings and preferably shop during daytime hours or in well-lit areas.

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“Park smart, park in well-lit, busy areas and lock your vehicle, double-check that your vehicle is locked to avoid remote jamming. Do not leave shopping bags or valuables visible; store them in the boot.

“Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded holiday markets or events. If in doubt, alert the nearest security guard, or security company or press panic on the SaferCity app.”

Holiday safety tips:

• Make sure your vehicle is safe and in good running order before going away on holiday.
Many workshops offer free safety checks for the holidays.
• You should let your security company know that you are leaving and ask them to do a check to make sure that the alarm and all motion sensors are working.
Also, leave an emergency contact number with them. Consider off-site monitoring of your CCTV cameras through your security provider or Safercity.
• Make sure that your CCTV cameras are working and are positioned to give a clear view of what is happening both inside and outside your property.
• Check that your electric fence works well and cut back any plants or trees that may interfere with the fence.
• Double check that all doors are locked and that all windows are shut properly before you go out.
• Do not store any jewellery or valuables in your home while you’re away.
Rather put them in a safety deposit box. If you have no choice, make sure to lock these away safely, out of plain sight.
• Discard boxes of any expensive items and Christmas presents with care.
Placing things like a flat-screen TV box, laptop boxes and so on outside your house for garbage collection alerts thieves of what is in the home.
You should try to dispose of the boxes on the day the garbage is collected or, even better, consider burning or collapsing the boxes of more expensive items.
• Always keep security gates locked – even if you are entertaining outside.
• Keep an eye out for any people that look suspicious roaming your neighbourhood and report them if their behaviour concerns you.
• If receiving packages, try to have them delivered when you’re home or use a package locker or secure location.

“This time of year we see an increase in criminals robbing couriers and parcel recipients when deliveries are being done. We wish our community a safe and prosperous festive season,” said Dalgleish.