Police trainees will be deployed at various Centurion shopping malls this festive season.
This forms part of the SAPS’s latest crime prevention initiative.
The trainees, under the supervision of superiors, will monitor parking areas and look out for any suspicious behaviour.
The initiative was first rolled out at the Menlyn shopping centre on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said police would be deployed to other malls throughout December. Bigger malls such as Menlyn would be a priority.
“Research was done to establish which malls are prone to criminal activities and we will deploy based on this,” Miller said.
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He said shoppers were vulnerable to crimes such as pickpocketing, smash and grabs as well as car theft.
“We do have a problem in our various malls with pickpockets; people taking cellphones and purses out of bags. When walking around a shopping mall, the public must always please be aware of their surroundings and look around to see if anyone is following you.”
Shoppers were warned to close their bags and to avoid putting any personal valuables in trolleys while shopping.
Miller said customers should avoid leaving visible items in their vehicles and rather put them in the boot.
Hundreds of trainees would also be deployed throughout Gauteng to curb crime.
“We want to increase police visibility and fight crime.”
Miller also encouraged the public to work with police and report any criminal acts.
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