ICYMI: 8 Ways to stay safe while shopping

THE next time you go out shopping, you may want to take the following into consideration in order to keep your belongings and your little ones as safe as they could possibly be:

1. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you.

2. Do not leave any valuables such as a cellphone or handbag in your trolley while shopping.

3. If your child needs to go to the toilet, do not let them go to public toilets alone as they may just become a victim of kidnapping.

On that note, do not leave young children unattended to at malls as it’s easy for them to go missing in big crowded places.

4. Try not to keep money, wallets or cellphones in your back pocket or visible anywhere on you.

ALSO READ: Oribi Plaza offers convenient shopping

5. When you’re at the till and your items are been checked out, keep an eye on everything when its being packed as another customer could walk past and swoop away your things.

6. If you’re using cash to pay for something, avoid taking out more cash than required from your bag as criminals lurking could see what you have in store for them.

7. If you get bumped by a stranger while shopping, immediately check your belongings as they could have tried to snatch something away from you.

8. Be aware of loiterers in places such as parking lots, shopping centre entrances and exits, stairways, corridors and even lifts.

(Source: SAPS ACT Crime Prevention book)