Local police stations and private security companies in the north of Pretoria are warning residents to remain alert as retail-related crimes spike across shopping centres, residential areas, and parking facilities this festive season.

With thousands of people expected to flock to malls for holiday shopping, authorities say criminals are increasingly taking advantage of the busy period, distraction, and high spending to commit opportunistic and organised crimes.

Pretoria North SAPS has raised concerns about the rise in theft of motor vehicles, both at residential premises and local shopping centres.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Tumisang Moloto, crime analysis shows a troubling pattern in which vehicles are stolen while parked at homes, often due to unlocked doors or a false sense of security, and from busy shopping centre parking lots.

“Some of the vehicles are stolen at residential premises, and others are targeted when the community visits local shopping centres.

“Car owners are encouraged to park at designated parking bays, close windows properly and physically check whether the vehicle is locked, especially when using remote devices,” said Moloto.

The Pretoria North police also urged motorists not to leave valuables such as laptops, handbags, and electronics inside parked vehicles, as criminals monitor parking lots for easy targets.

Residents are encouraged to immediately report suspicious activity by contacting the Pretoria North Client Service Centre at 071 675 6319.

The warning was reiterated by the Sinoville police, which has also seen an increase in festive-season criminal activity.

Sinoville police spokesperson Sergeant Gomolemo Modibane mentioned that a spike in pickpocketing and theft has been reported in malls. Unsuspecting shoppers later discover that their car keys and cellphones were stolen, only to return to the parking area and find their vehicles gone.

“There is a spike in reported cases whereby shoppers are being pickpocketed while they are busy doing their shopping and realise later that their car keys, including cellphones, are stolen,” explained Modibane.

Modibane added that criminals often work in groups and take advantage of crowded aisles, queues, and trolleys.

Shoppers who become distracted by sales or festive excitement are easy targets.

He encouraged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and approach mall security for assistance when needed.

Sinoville SAPS also noted that residents in security estates remain vulnerable to break-ins, especially when doors and windows are left unlocked under the belief that complexes are safer.

“Police urge residents to lock their homes when leaving, no matter how short the time will be spent out,” said Modibane.

Private security companies have also issued strong warnings. Nicky Smit of Maximum Security said retailers traditionally experience a surge in crime as foot traffic increases.

The most common festive season crimes include pickpocketing, bag-snatching, theft out of motor vehicles, ATM fraud, card cloning, shoplifting, and follow-home robberies.

More sophisticated criminal techniques such as advanced card-skimming devices, signal jamming combined with spotters, QR-code scams and distraction groups, are also rising.

Smit emphasised that shoppers’ own behaviour often unintentionally creates opportunities for criminals.

He said common mistakes include not checking whether vehicles are locked, walking alone in isolated parking areas, carrying excessive cash, accepting help from strangers at ATMs, leaving valuables visible inside vehicles, and posting real-time shopping locations on social media.

Residents can reduce their risk by adopting simple but effective safety practices.

“At malls, shoppers should stay alert, keep valuables secured, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Children should always be supervised and kept close in crowded areas.

“At ATMs, officials advise using indoor machines, shielding one’s PIN, avoiding tampered ATMs, and watching for anyone hovering nearby,” said Smit.

He said parking lot safety includes parking in well-lit areas, manually checking that vehicles are locked, keeping valuables out of sight, and having car keys ready when approaching one’s vehicle. If shoppers feel unsafe, they should request a security escort.

Smit mentioned that the security company has intensified their crime-prevention efforts.

This includes increased visibility, tactical and undercover patrols, enhanced CCTV monitoring, random vehicle and bag checks, improved lighting, and dedicated festive response teams.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to the Sinoville SAPS Client Service Centre at 071 675 6344, or anonymously via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.

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