Warning for shopping malls and petrol stations in South Africa

Fidelity ADT, a leading security firm, has issued a stark warning to retail businesses and petrol stations across South Africa. They have observed a concerning trend of criminals targeting these establishments, prompting a call for heightened vigilance from both businesses and consumers.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, highlighted a troubling surge in business robberies during a recent statement on 18 June. Criminals are increasingly focusing their efforts on retail outlets, including clothing stores in shopping malls and shops at petrol stations. These locations are seen as easy targets due to their accessibility.

The primary aim of these criminals is to steal cash from the tills. However, there is also a risk of them targeting consumers’ valuables, such as smartphones, jewelry, and money.

In response to this growing threat, Fidelity ADT has issued a series of recommendations for both business owners and consumers. Business owners are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, ensure their CCTV systems are fully functional, and remain alert for any suspicious activities. It is also recommended that at least two staff members carry concealed panic buttons at all times.

Consumers visiting these establishments are advised to exercise extra caution. While the criminals’ main target is the cash, there is a heightened state of alert regarding potential threats to customers’ safety.

Hattingh emphasized the importance of behavior in mitigating the risk of violence during a robbery. Both staff and customers should avoid resistance, remain calm, refrain from activating alarms, and comply with the robbers’ instructions.

The concerns extend beyond shops and petrol stations. Earlier this year, Santam highlighted an increase in hijackings targeting vehicles, shopping malls, petrol stations, and even school events. Criminals have shifted their focus from older, less secure vehicles to more valuable ones, including double cabs and SUVs like Toyota Landcruisers and Prados.

South Africa has seen a worrying rise in commercial robberies, shoplifting, and hijackings year after year. The latest data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicates an increase of 2.7% in ‘other serious crimes,’ which include commercial crime, shoplifting, and various types of theft.

Commercial crime has seen a significant increase of 17.3%, while shoplifting has risen by 4.8%. Hijackings have also increased by 6.5%, translating to approximately 66 cars stolen daily.

The most affected provinces include Gauteng, the Western Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal, with Western Cape experiencing the largest increase in commercial crimes at 19.8%. Shoplifting cases have notably risen in Limpopo, showing a 9.7% increase compared to other provinces.

While efforts are being made to address these crimes, the statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by businesses and consumers in safeguarding against criminal activities across various regions in South Africa.

Some Tips For Consumers and Businesses that can help:

1. Be Aware of Surroundings: Encourage both business owners and consumers to stay vigilant and be aware of their surroundings, especially in high-risk areas such as parking lots or dimly lit sections of the premises.
2. Utilize Panic Buttons: Ensure that businesses have functional panic buttons installed and that staff members are trained to use them discreetly in case of an emergency.
3. Keep Valuables Secure: Advise customers to keep their valuables, such as wallets, phones, and jewelry, secure and out of sight while shopping or refueling at petrol stations.
4. Use Well-Lit Areas: When possible, encourage customers to park and walk in well-lit areas with good visibility to reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage both employees and customers to report any suspicious activity or individuals to security personnel or law enforcement immediately.
6. Stay Calm During Robberies: In the event of a robbery, emphasize the importance of remaining calm, complying with the robbers’ instructions, and avoiding any sudden movements that could escalate the situation.
7. Review Security Measures Regularly: Business owners should regularly review and update their security measures, including CCTV systems, alarms, and access controls, to ensure they are effective in deterring and responding to criminal threats.

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