What to do and to avoid if you find yourself in a mall robbery

Do you know what to do if you find yourself in the middle of a mall robbery?

Over the past few months there have been a number of incidents at malls leaving shoppers and staff in a state of shock.

ER24 has attended to incidents at malls to treat injured patients and offer assistance to those who were left traumatised.

Henning Jacobs, trauma support co-ordinator at ER24, said the atmosphere at a shopping centre after a robbery is one of total shock and fear.

“People do not know what to do. They cannot think straight. It is also quiet as people are afraid to make any noise. Some people cannot stop crying while others are numb and do not want to say a word,” said Jacobs.

He added that it takes people months to deal with the fear they experienced.

When Jacobs and other ER24 counsellors arrive on scene, traumatised people are debriefed. “People are told what emotions and reactions to expect following the incident and are provided with coping skills.

“These coping skills are provided to help them vent their feelings and deal with the shock,” said Jacobs.

He said every victim of a mall robbery, whether feeling “fine” or not, should go for counselling. “It just gives them guidance on how to cope with the aftermath of the incident. There are cases where people experience post traumatic stress, but this only becomes evident a few weeks after the incident,” said Jacobs.

If you find yourself in a mall robbery try to stay calm. If possible move away from the incident. Try to find a safer place to take shelter. Do not try to be a hero. You could be injured or killed.

If you are near an exit and it is safe to do so, leave the mall immediately. Phone for help if you are in a position to do so and give as much information as possible.

Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, provided the following advice:

• Shoppers should be more vigilant when leaving parking areas and be on the lookout for any suspicious activities.
• Be aware of people around you and anyone following you in the parking area.
• Should criminals demand your vehicle during a robbery, hand your keys to them immediately. Your life and that of your family is more important than the vehicle.
• Do not confront anyone yourself. If you suspect anything illegal report it to the security staff.
• Do not make any eye contact and do not act aggressively.
• Avoid being alone in high-target stores around opening and closing times.
• Always let someone in your family know where you are going and how long you will be gone.

People can phone ER24 on 084 124 for trauma counselling.

Chitra Bodasing

ER24 spokesperson

Also view:

Trauma Counselling and Road Safety