The last place you would consider a high crime area is a Mall or Shopping Center but you should! Malls & Shopping Centers attract criminals who take advantage of shoppers (inside the mall or outside in the parking lot) who are distracted whilst enjoying a day out shopping. Some of these crimes happens without you realizing you are a victim until it’s too late. Herewith a few safety tips you can follow when you are out on your shopping spree. 1) BE CAUTIOUS OF WHAT YOU WEAR – PARTICULARY IF YOURE GOING BY YOURSELF - Diamonds & Real Gold attract thieves – Costume jewellery still make you feel dressed up without tempting a thief to approach you or follow you to the parking lot. - Wear a Cross-boy pocket book or messenger bag – it is safer from purse snatchers and avoids you leaving your belongings accidently behind. - Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. This will prevent a bad fall if someone bumps you on a slippery or wet floor.
2) KEEP YOUR VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHTAND PROTECT YOUR PURSE
- Where possible leave your valuable possessions at home or keep them well hidden when at the mall – put them in your pocket or purse where criminals won’t see them. - A purse is a prime target for thieves – they don’t just carry cash & credit cards, they are a goldmine for personal information for identity theft, always keep it close to your body
where it’s more difficult for a robber to access it. - Carrying a lot of cash can be dangerous and makes you an easy target for criminals – where possible use a debit or credit card and always keep your cash hidden, never
take it all out of you wallet at once.
3) SHOP WITH OTHERS
- Shopping in a crowd is much safer than going out alone. – Not only do you have company but there will always be someone watching your back while you shop.
A group of people is more challenging to take advantage of and criminals will look
for easier targets instead.
4) ALWAYS BE ALERT
- It’s easy to be distracted when shopping, thieves and criminals can hide in plain sight
and take advantage of you with just the slightest diversion of your attention. - Pay attention to your surroundings – look out for suspicious people and activity, don’t become a target by being distracted. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings will
keep you protected.
5) REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED & PARK IN A WELL-LIT AREA AFTER DARK
- Wondering in a parking lot looking for your vehicle can make you an easy target for
those looking to take advantage of others in vulnerable situations. Park near the entrance or landmark so it will be easy for you to find your car – take a picture you can
refer to later to jog your memory if necessary. - Try and shop during daylight where possible, park your car near a light post so your car
can be well illuminated after the sun goes down, this will make it safer to walk from or to your car and will keep your car safe from vandalism or theft while you do your shopping.
6) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
- Avoid anything that does not feel save – be vigilant and prepared for anything, if something feels wrong it probably is and you should avoid it as best you can.
7) DON’T CARRY TOO MANY SHOPPING BAGS
- Carrying too many shopping bags can make you an easy target – Tring along a couple of large shopping bags with handles to consolidate your other bags from purchases,
making it easy to manage and harder to pilfer, alternatively make regular visits to your
car to secure your bags in your boot out of sight.
8) REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR – Find the nearest security guard or mall
employee and tell them of what you have seen, not only will this keep you safe but it will help protect other shoppers.
Remember no belonging is worth your life! Should you become a victim hand over your belongings to the criminals as this can be replaced, a life can’t!
Hope you have a safe shopping experience!