Shopping is a fun and relaxing activity for many people, but it can also expose us to some safety risks if we are not careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As it is the end of the month many people will be going out to do their monthly shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are urging all shoppers to be vigilant at malls and shopping centres and to be aware that criminals are opportunistic and always looking for opportunities to strike,\u201d says Charnel Hattingh, Group head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are five common mistakes shoppers make when shopping and how to avoid them:.<\/span> Being distracted by our phones, music, or conversations. This can make us lose sight of our surroundings and belongings and make us an easy target for thieves or scammers..<\/span> Not checking if our car is locked or if the windows are rolled up. This can invite opportunistic criminals to break into our car and steal our purchases or personal items..<\/span> Wearing expensive jewellery, watches, or accessories. This can attract unwanted attention and make us look like a wealthy target for robbers..<\/span> Carrying too much cash or using unsafe payment methods. This can expose us to the risk of losing our money or having our card details stolen..<\/span> Leaving our bags unattended or open. We should always keep our bags close to us and zipped up, and never leave them on the floor, on a bench or in a cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen in the mall or centre carry as little as possible in your handbag or pockets and rather leave unnecessary bank or store cards and large amounts of cash at home,\u201d says Hattingh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA packed clothing store or supermarket is the prime hunting-ground for a pickpocket or bag-snatcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd never leave a handbag, purse or wallet in a trolley. If you don\u2019t use a bag or do not take one along, keep your wallet or purse in the front pocket of your jacket or trousers. Criminals are also targeting phones so make sure your phone is out of sight either in a zipped-up bag or in a front pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you are drawing large amounts of cash, take someone along to keep watch while you are at the ATM and to keep a look out for any suspicious individuals or vehicles on the way home. If you can avoid drawing large sums of cash, do so. Electronic payments are the safer route.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety outside the mall is just as important as it is inside, she adds. \u201cBefore you exit the mall, have your keys ready so that no time is wasted to get your purchases and yourself into the car,\u201d Hattingh advises. \u201cThis also means you\u2019ll be able to hold onto your handbag as you walk. If someone does try to snatch your handbag, let it go. Do not resist or fight back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, she suggests avoiding shopping late at night. \u201cWhile the idea of a quieter shopping mall may seem appealing, you are more vulnerable in the car parks, mall bathrooms and the likes. If you have no other choice, be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the mall security. Let\u2019s make our shopping experiences happy and crime-free.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Shopping is a fun and relaxing activity for many people, but it can also expose us to some safety risks if we are not 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