With the festive season in full swing, several malls have tightened security to ensure shoppers’ safety.
Forest Hill shopping centre said their security staff would be working closely with the Olievenhoutbosch police to ensure that shoppers were safe.
“Over the festive season, we will increase our security staff compliment for the safety of our shoppers, tenants and staff.
“We have deployed a highly trained tactical unit at our mall as an additional security measure. With the co-operation of the SAPS, there is a festive season plan rolled out,” said mall marketing manager Caley May.
She said an array of events would be hosted including an evening show, Christmas on Ice in the ice rink and a Splash Park with giant inflatables.
“These activities promise to be fun for the whole family in a safe and secure environment.”
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Olievenhoutbosch police station spokesperson Sergeant Pretty Mokadi said several operations were planned to ensure malls and other shopping centres were safe and secure.
“These operations are set directly to limit crime during the festive season and also to be a step ahead of criminals,” Mokadi said.
Centurion Mall said regular patrols were maintained by uniformed guards throughout the day.
“The safety and security of our customers, tenants and employees is our main priority. Many of our security measures are visible and in the best interest and effort to keep the public as safe as possible, including regular patrols that are undertaken by uniformed guards,” the mall said in a statement.
“Some of our other security measures are not visible and for obvious reasons cannot be detailed or disclosed to avoid compromising our efforts.
“All our efforts are closely co-ordinated with local SAPS and private security firms. Based on previous incidents, each mall in our portfolio has a detailed security plan in place for peak shopping times that usually follow festive shopping. We continually evaluate and modify these plans as needed,” the statement read.
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Customers are urged to report any suspicious behaviour they witness directly to the centre management offices.
A few tips from the operations manager of Forest Hill Shopping Centre, Jacques Voges:
– Do not leave cellphones unattended as they remain a popular target for criminals.
– Keep devices out of sight. Close and zip up your handbag.
– Kids must not be left unaccompanied.
– Vehicles must be checked that they are locked before stepping away from the parking areas.
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