As Black Friday and the festive season approach, Fidelity Services Group is urging shoppers and businesses to prioritise safety and remain vigilant during one of the busiest retail periods of the year. With shopping centres, streets, and online platforms experiencing increased activity, the risk of theft, scams, and other security threats also rises.
“While the festive season is a time for celebration and great deals, it is also a peak period for criminal activity,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group. “We encourage the public to plan ahead, stay aware of their surroundings, and take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their belongings.”
Criminals often target people who appear distracted, whether standing in a queue, turning away from a trolley, or juggling shopping bags and mobile phones. Hattingh stresses that situational awareness is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent becoming a victim.
“You can make a massive difference by paying attention to what happens around you and by being alert,” she says. “If you think someone is following you in a mall or if it feels like a group of people are intentionally crowding you while you wait to collect an order at a fast-food outlet, look for help or ask the people to give you some space. Trusting your gut feel is always a good idea.”
Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about identifying suspicious behaviour and to remind them to stay close while in public spaces.
Hattingh offers the following practical safety recommendations for the holiday period:
- Leave expensive jewellery and accessories at home
- Avoid a predictable routine by varying your walking schedule to and from the mall or office
- Maintain a safe distance if approached by someone asking for assistance, and stay alert for others nearby
- Avoid using ATMs late at night. If necessary, choose a well-lit location where a security officer is present
- Leave headphones at home and reduce any distractions
- Be cautious in crowded or chaotic areas where pickpocketing is more common
- Seek help immediately if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable.
“No one likes to think about crime and what it can do to you or a loved one,” Hattingh says. “We also don’t like to have to watch over our shoulders all the time, but it is a sad reality which we cannot avoid.
“Our wish is that people remember a few basic personal safety precautions and make them part of their daily lives. This will hopefully make a positive difference in keeping everyone a bit safer from crime.”
Issued on behalf of the Fidelity Services Group.
