The current pandemic has changed our lives for the foreseeable future, where much human interaction is abnormal, for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, criminals are still very much active, especially when the masks they are forced to wear hide their identity. Criminals do target malls where one would expect to see more shoppers than most places. Find out about the safety tips one can use to protect those around you.1
Walking light in the mall1
Avoid carrying valuables in handbags and pockets, and only have the card(s) you may require. Never keep a large amount of cash in your purse or wallet.
Withdrawing money at the ATM1
Be alert to your surroundings when withdrawing funds from an ATM and choose one that is in a crowded area. Criminals prey on the elderly or other soft targets when withdrawing cash. You can follow the following tips to protect yourself:
- Anyone standing behind you? 1
Be aware of who is standing near you or behind you near the ATM, and never accept any assistance from anyone, especially when you are about to enter your PIN.
- Put cash away immediately1
Place cash coming out of the machine immediately into your purse or wallet, and into your handbag or pocket. Only then should you walk away.
- Anyone following you? 1
When leaving the ATM, ensure no one is following you or else go immediately into the nearest shop or report to a mall security guard for safety.
When parking, be aware of remote jammers1
It’s important that, before coming to the mall, you park in a crowded area. Parking in a remote area makes it easier for criminals to rob you. Many malls have a security system installed in their parking areas where a mall alarm is triggered if someone is trying to remote-jam the locking signal from your key. Many shoppers are in a hurry and tend not to check their car doors if their signal was jammed or not. If the mall’s ‘jamming’ alarm doesn’t go off, motorists walk off leaving an unlocked car behind.
Be aware of distractions1
Distraction is one of the main weapons criminals use against their victims. A distracted person is much easier to rob than a person who is focused and alert. If anyone approaches you on your way to the car, immediately turn around and walk towards the nearest security guard. Before leaving the mall, and entering your parking area, make sure you know where security guards are positioned.
Stay alert when leaving a mall1
You are leaving a mall parking area in your car, and up until this point you have not seen anyone following you. Still, check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure that someone perhaps has suddenly come out of nowhere and has started to follow you home. If so, either turn around and go back immediately to the mall or go to the nearest police station.
Protecting yourself when visiting a mall is one thing, but if you had an accident on the way back from the mall, would you be completely financially protected? What if your car breaks down – would there be roadside assistance that you could call and rely on? To answer those questions, contact PMD and find out more about their affordable car insurance products.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
1https://southcoastherald.co.za/241233/7-safety-tips-youre-mall-way-home/
Also view:
Keeping Children Safe and Secure at the Shopping Mall