- Brackenfell and Kraaifontein police urge festive season shoppers to remain vigilant as pickpockets and criminals target crowded stores.
- Shoppers are advised to secure their valuables, keep an eye on children, and avoid distractions.
- Online shoppers are encouraged to use secure websites and protect personal information to stay safe during the holidays.
As Christmas shoppers flood stores and malls this festive season, lurking among them are criminals who are also doing their holiday shopping – but with ill intentions. However, the good news is that shoppers can protect themselves by staying aware of crime trends and exercising caution.
Col Jakobus Marthinus, commander at Brackenfell Police Station, advises shoppers to prioritise their safety. “The festive period often means crowded conditions in stores and malls. If you’re shopping with children, plan ahead. Supervise your children in public spaces, and accompany them to the restroom,” he says. He warns shoppers to stay vigilant in congested shops or aisles where it can be difficult to move. “This is where pickpockets often target their victims. Avoid displaying valuables openly. Keep your handbag close, securely fastened, and never leave it unattended. Always keep your mobile phone with you, and carry your wallet in an inside pocket –never in the rear pocket of your trousers. Be sure that your credit card transactions are processed in your presence.”
Kraaifontein police spokesperson WO Louise Strydom echoes these safety tips, urging shoppers to remain alert and to report crime. “Women, carry your handbags across your body and keep a hand on it. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and steer clear of distractions.” She offers advice for online shoppers, recommending that they shop only on secure, trusted websites and use safe payment methods like debit or credit cards. “Always protect your personal information by clearing out autofill forms,” she adds.
As Christmas shoppers flood stores and malls this festive season, lurking among them are criminals who are also doing their holiday shopping – but with ill intentions.
However, the good news is that shoppers can protect themselves by staying aware of crime trends and exercising caution.
Col Jakobus Marthinus, commander at Brackenfell Police Station, advises shoppers to prioritise their safety.
“The festive period often means crowded conditions in stores and malls. If you’re shopping with children, plan ahead. Supervise your children in public spaces, and accompany them to the restroom,” he says.
He warns shoppers to stay vigilant in congested shops or aisles where it can be difficult to move.
“This is where pickpockets often target their victims.
“Avoid displaying valuables openly. Keep your handbag close, securely fastened, and never leave it unattended. Always keep your mobile phone with you, and carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.
“Be sure that your credit card transactions are processed in your presence.”
Kraaifontein police spokesperson WO Louise Strydom echoes these safety tips, urging shoppers to remain alert and to report crime.
“Women, carry your handbags across your body and keep a hand on it. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and steer clear of distractions.”
She offers advice for online shoppers, recommending that they shop only on secure, trusted websites and use safe payment methods like debit or credit cards.
“Always protect your personal information by clearing out autofill forms,” she adds.
As Christmas shoppers flood stores and malls this festive season, lurking among them are criminals who are also doing their holiday shopping – but with ill intentions. However, the good news is that shoppers can protect themselves by staying aware of crime trends and exercising caution.
Col Jakobus Marthinus, commander at Brackenfell Police Station, advises shoppers to prioritise their safety. “The festive period often means crowded conditions in stores and malls. If you’re shopping with children, plan ahead. Supervise your children in public spaces, and accompany them to the restroom,” he says. He warns shoppers to stay vigilant in congested shops or aisles where it can be difficult to move. “This is where pickpockets often target their victims. Avoid displaying valuables openly. Keep your handbag close, securely fastened, and never leave it unattended. Always keep your mobile phone with you, and carry your wallet in an inside pocket –never in the rear pocket of your trousers. Be sure that your credit card transactions are processed in your presence.”
Kraaifontein police spokesperson WO Louise Strydom echoes these safety tips, urging shoppers to remain alert and to report crime.
“Women, carry your handbags across your body and keep a hand on it. Don’t carry large amounts of cash and steer clear of distractions.” She offers advice for online shoppers, recommending that they shop only on secure, trusted websites and use safe payment methods like debit or credit cards. “Always protect your personal information by clearing out autofill forms,” she adds.
