Crowded shopping malls and busy retail centres are expected over the coming weeks as residents rush to finish their festive shopping, creating environments that make it easier for criminals to strike.

Monitor Net Security general manager Paul Gerber said the festive season brings repeated patterns of preventable crime.

“As a security company, we see and respond to crime every day. Our officers witness the aftermath of stolen wallets, hijacked vehicles, emptied bank accounts, and a shattered sense of security.”

Gerber explained that the tips they provide for safe holiday shopping come directly from incidents their teams have attended and victims they have assisted.

“Every December, the same preventable mistakes lead to the same devastating outcomes,” he said.

He noted that criminals take full advantage of the holiday rush because distracted shoppers, crowded malls, and loaded shopping bags make their job easy. He warned that many people lose everything simply because they leave a handbag in a trolley for just 10 seconds.

“Travel light and leave unnecessary cards and jewellery at home. Shop with friends or family when possible.”

Gerber explained that criminals prefer isolated targets, so staying in groups is safer.

He emphasised that shoppers must keep their wallets zipped and pressed against their bodies at all times and avoid setting them down in plain sight.

“Thieves are watching and waiting for that one moment of distraction. Residents should use card payments whenever possible. This protects their money and helps track spending against their Christmas budget. The people we see struggling in January are often those who lost control of their finances in December,” he cautioned.

Gerber noted that card fraud spikes during the festive season because criminals use skimming devices, shoulder surfing, and social engineering.

He advised shoppers to cover the keypad when entering their Pin, and to trust their instincts if something feels wrong.

“It is critical never to let anyone handle your card or help you enter your Pin. I would also advise people to monitor their bank statements regularly.”

He said fraudulent charges are easier to reverse when caught early.

He also recommended turning on transaction alerts, adding that these small steps can prevent major losses.

“Parking lots remain dangerous because carjackings, smash-and-grabs, and robberies frequently occur while shoppers load their purchases. Our teams regularly recover stolen vehicles from these situations.”

Gerber urged residents to park in well-lit areas with visible security, keep valuables out of sight, and lock everything in the trunk.

He warned that car remote jamming is one of the most common vehicle crimes in South Africa.

“Criminals use signal blockers to prevent cars from locking, leaving owners unaware until it is too late.”

He emphasised that families can still enjoy a safe shopping experience with a few simple precautions.

He said it is important to agree on a meeting point in the mall and ensure phones are fully charged.

“A dead battery at the wrong moment can turn a minor issue into a serious one.”

Gerber recommended bringing basic first aid supplies, avoiding shopping during opening and closing hours when armed robberies are more likely, and planning visits during busier periods.

For online shoppers, he warned that scams are increasing.

“Only buy from trusted sites. Look for the ‘https://’ in the address bar. Read reviews. If you cannot verify that a store is legitimate, do not enter your payment details.”

He reminded residents never to click promotional links in emails or social media messages and to type the retailer’s address directly into their browser.

“If a message seems suspicious, contact the retailer directly using contact information from their official site,” he said.

He added that delivery drivers should never need to enter a home, and shoppers should refuse if someone insists.

“Do not unload shopping with the garage door open for the neighbourhood to see.”

He suggested motion-sensor lights for added security and encouraged residents to install a home security system if they do not already have one.

“Being aware in a situation is your best defence. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and take basic precautions,” added Gerber.

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