How to: survive a mall robbery

The silly season is here and our local shopping malls are getting busier by the day as the Christmas shopping rush begins.

But with the increase in shoppers, comes the unfortunate increase in the risk of mall robberies.

Knowing what to do in the event of a mall robbery could save your life.

Also read: Stay safe during the festive season with these top tips

According to Malcolm Stephens of Fidelity Security Group, the golden rule if you ever are caught in the middle of a heist is to stay calm.

“Customers need to remain vigilant at all times and should always be on the lookout for any suspicious activities and be aware of the people around them,” said Stephens.

If you are in the store that is being robbed:

1. Co-operate with robbers for your own safety. Listen closely and follow their instructions.
2. Try and keep as calm as possible.
3. Do not use your cell phone while the robbery is in process, this could agitate the assailants.
4. Immediately try and find a sheltered spot and keep low to the ground.
5. Take note of the assailants to pass information on to the authorities i.e. what they were wearing, any distinctive clothes, markings and jewellery. Try and remember what they look like (height, weight, etc.)
6. Ensure your children are kept close to you at all times (do not let children wander off while you are shopping)

Also read: Ballito Junction robbers shot dead by cops

If you are not in the store being robbed:

Speak with the store personnel to firstly close the roller shutter doors.

This is also standard operating procedures in many malls and move to the back of the store,  out of sight

• Try and find a store closest to you and secure yourself as described above.
• Do not try and exit via the standard entry and exit points as these are the same points the robbers will be using. Many malls now have standard operating procedures to lock down the mall.

Stephens also advised shoppers not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables.

Crime is becoming more sophisticated, with inside information playing an increasingly prominent role.

“Whether you were in the store being robbed, or just witnessed the incident in the centre, you should seek counselling, regardless of how you might feel,” said Stephens.

“It often takes some time to experience and deal with the post-traumatic stress following such robberies.”

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