Shopping malls remain key targets for opportunistic criminals, with cell phone theft and remote car jamming ranking among common offenses.
Criminals take advantage of distraction and a lack of awareness, so maintaining vigilance is your strongest line of defense.
In a bid to curb the increasing crime at shopping malls, Fidelity Services Group has issued a warning, urging shoppers to remain vigilant.
According to the security company, criminals are taking advantage of distracted shoppers, particularly those absorbed in their phones. This is prime time to snatch devices swiftly and escape unnoticed.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity warns that cell phone snatching happens in seconds.
“Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, waiting for an e-hailing ride, or walking through a shopping centre, criminals strike when you least expect it. We urge everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and not get distracted checking for messages when out and about,” she said.
She stressed that crimes often happen in parking lots, where perpetrators use signal jammers to prevent car doors from locking remotely. As a result, thieves can easily access vehicles and steal valuables left inside.
“Thieves use devices that block your car remote’s signal, preventing it from locking.
“Motorists assume their car is secure, only to return and find their belongings stolen—without any sign of forced entry,” Hattingh said.
CRIME STATS
According to Business Tech, data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) reveals a rise in crimes at commercial premises.
The latest crime statistics show 12,412 robberies and thefts at commercial properties in the last three months of 2024 — an average of 138 daily incidents.
Additionally, 4,807 hijackings and 7,791 car thefts were recorded during this period, equating to 140 vehicle-related crimes daily. Not all occurred at shopping malls.
These trends are particularly noticeable in provinces with larger shopping malls, like Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, with Gauteng leading in commercial crime cases.
STAY SAFE, STAY VIGILANT
Shoppers are advised to always double-check that their car doors are locked manually by testing the handle, avoid using cellphones in parking areas, and remain aware of their surroundings.
Fidelity provided some tips to reduce your risk of becoming a victim:
- Keep valuables hidden – Store your phone in a closed bag or inside a jacket pocket instead of holding it.
- Plan your route – Avoid dimly lit or isolated areas and aim to return home before dark.
- Stay alert – Keep earphones out while walking to hear and observe your surroundings.
- Wait in safe areas – Stand in well-lit, populated locations when using e-hailing services and try and keep your cell phone out of sight.
- Walk in pairs – Criminals are less likely to target groups, and a companion can help in an emergency.
- Report all incidents – Even attempted thefts should be reported to help law enforcement track crime patterns.
How do you stay vigilant and protect yourself from cellphone snatching when visiting shopping malls?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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