Are criminals using parking lots at shopping centres to prey on unsuspecting shoppers?
After her car was broken into recently, one resident felt this what criminals were doing.
“I recently went to the Newcastle Mall to deposit money at one of the banks for work. I put my handbag behind the driver’s seat after I finished, and left the mall premises,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.
From the mall, the woman stated she went to an auditor in Montague Street.
“I was inside for five minutes and when I got back to my car, I saw broken glass everywhere. My back window was broken and my handbag stolen. I think someone followed me from the Mall. How else would they have known where my bag was and which of the vehicles in the parking lot was my car?”
Beulah Rajkumar, Marketing Manager for Newcastle Mall, said the management team was not always notified of incidents such as these.
“Unfortunately, these crimes are opportunistic based and often happen when there is a huge gathering of motor vehicles,” she said.
Despite this, Mrs Rajkumar said the Mall’s security staff were vigilant.
“We have also installed a remote jamming alarm device in the parking area to enhance security. Safety and security are very important to the Mall, and we are continuously in the process of re-assessing such measures.” Mrs Rajkumar warned residents to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles, and ensure their car doors were properly locked.
“In the Mall’s instance, suspicious behaviour can be reported directly to the security control room on 034 326 1120 and to the SAPS, with whom we work very closely. We also want to take the opportunity to thank SAPS for their continuous support,” she concluded.
Captain Shooz Magadulela, police spokesperson, said theft out of motor vehicles had been an ongoing issue for a number of years.
However, he claimed foot patrols, and awareness campaigns had led to a number of arrests recently.
“Suspects are arrested and charged, but after being released by Correctional Services, they often commit similar offences at the same places,” he said.
To minimise the chances of being targeted by criminals, Captain Magudulela urged residents not to leave their valuables in plain sight.
“At banks, people should be vigilant of anyone who may be following them. If you suspect you are being followed, phone the police station and they will follow up on the matter.”
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