Shopping mall safety tips

Be safe when shopping. There’s nothing worse than arriving home after a few hours at the mall and discovering you have been robbed. Consider the following tips when shopping:

• Always ensure that your handbag is closed and that the clip or zip is on the side touching your body.

• Never leave your cellphone on a chair or the desk where you pay for your goods. Ensure that your cellphone is either in your pocket or in your handbag.

• Never leave your wallet unattended at the till point. Keep your wallet in your hand at all times. If you are not using your wallet make sure that it is in your handbag and that your handbag is closed at all times.

• Do not let people distract you while you are at the till point.

• Do not leave your trolley with all your goods unattended. Keep it close to you and ensure someone is watching it for you if you are in a change room etc.

• If possible, never leave your handbag, wallet or cellphone in the trolley while shopping.

• When eating at a restaurant, ensure that your handbag is in a safe place, like on the floor between your legs or between you and the person that you are with.

• Never leave your cellphone on the side of the table while eating at a restaurant. Move it to the middle of the table or put it in your handbag. The same applies for your wallet.

• If someone distracts you or tells you that you have dropped something on the floor, first check if your wallet, handbag and cellphone are secure. This is most likely a trick to steal something from you.

• When at the ATM, never let anyone help you and if they tell you you’ve dropped something, it is most probably a con.

• Do not lend any person your cellphone or give anyone money.

• Before leaving the pay station ensure that you have your vehicle’s keys in your hand. This will ensure that you are not distracted when arriving at the vehicle. You can directly open your vehicle without any distractions or possible thefts.