Shopping season is fast approaching- Stay Safe
Criminals are aware these shoppers have a car full of newly-purchased items and are generally easy, distracted targets
Black Friday is scheduled for 29 November this year and will no doubt have shoppers flocking to take advantage of bargain prices.
There will also be a flux of shoppers bustling to get their festive season shopping done over the next few weeks.
“We are urging all shoppers to be vigilant at malls and shopping centres and to be aware that we generally see a spike in follow-home incidents at this time of year,” says Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager Fidelity ADT.
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She says in most cases shoppers are followed home from the malls and hijacked in their driveways.
“Criminals are aware these shoppers have a car full of newly-purchased items and are generally easy, distracted targets.”
She advises shoppers to keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles when exiting the shopping centre.
“If you suspect you are being followed drive immediately to your nearest police station or security provider guard house,” she adds.
Ms Hattingh also reminds drivers to remember the general hijacking safety tips such as waiting in the road for the gate to open before driving in, and making sure the gate is closed properly behind the vehicle before getting out.
“If you are drawing large amounts of cash, take someone along to keep watch while you are at the ATM and to keep a look out for any suspicious individuals or vehicles on the way home. If you can avoid drawing large sums of cash, do so. Electronic payments are the safer route,” says Ms Hattingh.
Your safety outside the mall is just as important as it is inside, she adds.
“Before you exit the mall, have your keys ready so that no time is wasted to get your purchases and yourself into the car. This also means that you’ll be able to hold onto your handbag as you walk. If someone does try to snatch your handbag, let it go. Do not resist or fight back,” she advises.
Lastly she suggests avoiding shopping late at night. “While the idea of a quieter shopping mall may seem appealing, you are more vulnerable in the car parks, mall bathrooms and the likes. If you have no other choice, be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the mall security. Let’s make our shopping experiences happy and crime-free,” she concludes.
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