Mall Robberies: What do you do?

There has recently been a wave of armed robberies in shopping malls across South Africa. Dialdirect Insurance zoomed in on what criminals typically do, and how centre management and shoppers can better protect themselves.

According to Dr. Johan Burger from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the most recent set of quarterly reports from 2020/21 show that business robbery increased in each quarter – a continuation of an eight-year trend were aggravated robbery in general increased nationally by 43% between 2011/12 and 2019/2020. Business robbery alone increased by 30%. Initially, lockdown saw a small decrease, but the recent easing of restrictions saw aggravated robbery trends heading in exactly the upward direction they were pre-lockdown.

“Mall robbers are always ready to do some shopping of their own”, says Anneli Retief, Head of Dialdirect Insurance. “There are, however, a number of things that shoppers, store owners, and centre management can do to safeguard themselves. Being informed, thoroughly prepared, vigilant, and ready to take action are key.”

The ISS says that mall robbers typically follow a few key steps in striking:

– Identifying targets: High reward targets are top priority and, although malls with inadequate security will typically be chosen over those with good security, criminals will take the risk if the reward is great enough.
– Planning: Gaining intel on security at the target centre, gauging possible risks and obstacles, judging the quality of security officials and equipment, looking at where CCTV cameras are, assessing escape routes, and making plans to side-step additional security measures like access control at jewellery stores.
– Ganging up and kitting out: Getting a large enough group with suitable vehicles (typically multiple vehicles) and firepower together to overcome predicted resistance. They will typically hide firearms under clothing or in a bag that won’t attract attention.
– Execution: Getting in and out before security companies or the police can respond is key. Firearms are only drawn once they are in the target area or if they are confronted by security officials. They will not hesitate to use their firearms and will shoot to kill in order to escape.

Dialdirect and the ISS offer the following tips to safeguard yourself and your belongings in avoiding – and reacting to – a mall robbery:

How shopping centres and malls can safeguard themselves:

– Invest in a quality private security company with a proven track record, highly trained staff, fast reaction time, and equipment that is up to the task.
– Accept that criminals know where CCTV cameras are. Place them where they are protected from damage or theft. Quality cameras that record enough detail to apprehend criminals – even in the time of mandatory face masks – are a must.
– Thoroughly protect control rooms against unauthorized and forceful entry.
– Do continuous research, or have it done, on crime trends, strengths/weaknesses of security systems, etc. to constantly learn and improve.
– Establish good relationships with the police, regularly interact with them on crime trends and security measures. – – Get the names and details of specific police officials to ensure swift reaction time.
– All officials must be on the same page. Car guards, for example, should be briefed and debriefed by security.
– Smart reporting: Knowing what to report and who to report it to – and informing shoppers of this info – is crucial. Bear in mind that criminals will hear and read whatever security messages are communicated to shoppers, so be sensible in what you communicate.
– It is not advisable to deploy armed security personnel at shopping malls. Criminals will simply increase their own firepower, be even more inclined to shoot, and, as a result, increase the risk to staff and other innocent bystanders.

Warning signs / suspicious activities that shoppers and shop owners should look out for:

– People: Although criminals will do their best to be inconspicuous when scouting, suspicious behavior like loitering in a particular area, pretending to wait for someone, just hanging around, taking pictures in the vicinity of places such as jewellery shops, cellphone shops and IT businesses are red flags.
– Vehicles: Cars seen regularly in the same areas – especially those with persons staying in the car, with others leaving and returning – should be reported.

Be prepared:

– Be aware that malls, especially during the festive season, are all potential criminal targets. Always be alert and aware of what is going on around you.
– Decide how and where you and your friends or family will reunite in the event of a robbery – remember that you may not have a phone.
– Avoid high-risk stores around opening and closing time.
– Remember that not all criminals run thoroughly planned operations and that many are opportunistic, so don’t “advertise”. Be especially careful at ATMs, avoid withdrawing large sums of money or carrying expensive items such as jewellery, cellphones, laptops or other small items that can easily be stolen. Carry little cash on you. Also avoid leaving these items in your car, especially where prying eyes could be watching.
– If you notice suspicious activity don’t go near it. Report it discreetly to the management, the information desk or security staff and then calmly leave.

What to do in the case of a mall robbery:

– Stay calm and don’t do anything to set off the volatility of the robbers.
– If there is time and space to seek cover, do so immediately.
– Do not try and run away. You have no idea of thugs’ escape route and you may just be in their way. If there is no immediate and clear refuge or hiding place available, get as close to the side of the passage and to lie flat on the floor.
– Don’t be a hero, don’t try to confront anyone, and don’t even look at robbers. They are likely to be armed and will not appreciate your attention.
– Always signify your intention to the robbers to cooperate. Respond promptly to requests and do not act aggressively.
– Should robbers demand personal items, hand them over immediately – your life is worth more than your valuables.
– Wait until you are sure that the robbery is over, and robbers have left before moving and assisting others.
– If you are near an exit and it is safe to do so, leave the mall immediately. Phone 10111 for help if you can and give as much information as possible.
– Seek help or counseling for posttraumatic stress after the event.

Advice on Prevention and Safety from Business Robbery https://t.co/Kgkbj9t2Qi #ArriveAlive #Robbery @SAPoliceService

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 21, 2021