With the festive season fast approaching, festive Christmas decorations are up in most mall countrywide and people are starting to think about their festive shopping.

Each year footfall at malls increases as December approaches and besides being a fun and festive time, it can also signify an uptick in theft and robberies in the malls. Keeping safe during your festive season shopping is important so stay vigilant and don’t get distracted by all the hype and excitement..

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity Services Group, advises, “The most important thing in a robbery is to remain calm. Staying alert and following some key safety guidelines can help protect you and those around you.”

Fidelity offers the following essential safety tips:

If you are in the store being robbed:

• Cooperate with the robbers for your own safety. Listen carefully and follow their instructions.
• Stay as calm as possible. While everyone reacts differently, try to breathe deeply and keep calm until help arrives.
• Avoid using your cellphone during the robbery, as this may agitate the assailants.
• Find a sheltered spot and stay low to the ground to avoid drawing attention.
• Take mental notes of the assailants for reporting to authorities later—details like clothing, distinctive markings, jewellery, height, and build can be very useful.
• Keep your children close at all times. Do not allow them to wander off while shopping.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

If you are not in the store being robbed:

• Ask store personnel to close the roller shutters if possible and move to the back of the store out of sight. Many malls have this as standard operating procedure.
• Quickly find a nearby store and secure yourself as described above.
• Avoid main entrances and exits, as these may be used by the robbers. Many malls have procedures to lock down in emergencies.

Hattingh adds, “Criminal activity has become increasingly sophisticated, often involving insider information. Whether directly involved in a robbery or just a witness, seeking counselling can be crucial in managing potential post-traumatic stress.”

Stay vigilant this festive season and remember these simple safety tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones.