What to do if you’re caught in a mall robbery
Whether directly involved in a robbery or just a witness, seeking counselling can be crucial.
Footfall at malls increases as the festive season approaches; and besides being a fun and festive time, it can also signify an uptick in theft and robberies in malls.
Keeping safe during your festive season shopping is important. Stay vigilant and don’t get distracted by the hype and excitement.
Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications for Fidelity Services Group, advises the most important thing in a robbery is to remain calm.
“Staying alert and following key safety guidelines can help to protect you and those around you,” she says.
Fidelity offers the following essential safety tips:
Also Read: Heed these stokvel safety tips ahead of the festive season
If you are in the store being robbed:
• Cooperate with the robbers for your own safety. Listen carefully and follow their instructions.
• Stay as calm as possible. While everyone reacts differently, try to breathe deeply and keep calm until help arrives.
• Avoid using your cellphone during the robbery, as it may agitate the assailants.
• Find a sheltered spot and stay low to avoid drawing attention.
• Take mental notes of the assailants for reporting to authorities later—details like clothing, distinctive markings, jewellery, height, and build can be useful.
• Keep your children close at all times. Do not allow them to wander off while shopping.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
If you are not in the store being robbed:
• Ask store personnel to close the roller shutters if possible and move towards the back of the store out of sight. Many malls have this as a standard operating procedure.
• Quickly find a nearby store and secure yourself as described above.
• Avoid main entrances and exits, as these may be used by the robbers. Many malls have procedures to lock down in emergencies.
Hattingh adds, “Criminal activity has become increasingly sophisticated, often involving insider information. Whether directly involved in a robbery or just a witness, seeking counselling can be crucial in managing potential post-traumatic stress.”
Also Read: Stay safe while hitting the stores for Black November bargains
