Be vigilant this Black Friday – SAPS

With Black Friday (November 29) almost here, shoppers are warned to be vigilant for opportunistic criminals.
In light of the shopping bonanza, the Edenvale SAPS urged shoppers to be cautious.

According to the station’s communication officer, Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile, Black Friday is a day when retailers reduce their prices on merchandise, offering special deals on products and services.

“Shoppers go in numbers for these bargains in the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s Day,” said Mashile.

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He said some retailers open as early as midnight, and shoppers queue all night, waiting for the shops to open.

“As soon as the shop doors open, shoppers start pushing and trampling each other, trying to be the first inside the shop to grab that long-wanted item. In the process, a stampede is caused, with the very real possibility of serious injury or even death to someone,” said Mashile.

In light of this, the Edenvale SAPS urged shoppers to be patient and considerate.

Besides being careful of suffering an injury, Mashile said shoppers must stay vigilant.

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“On Black Friday, shoppers are not the only ones excited about the sales. Opportunistic criminals looking to grab money and other valuables during the rush will also be present,” said Mashile.

He said people must be aware of their surroundings at all times.

“Large crowds of people tend to draw criminal elements.”

He stressed that shoppers must look for people who might be following them. Another tip is for shoppers to carry as little cash as possible.

“What is critical is that shoppers must avoid carrying large sums of cash. On this day, criminals will set their sight on malls and shopping centres.”

If shoppers find themselves the victims of a crime, they are urged to alert shopping centre security, call 10111 or 08600 10111 and report it at the nearest police station.