With the festive season in full swing and shopping malls bustling with activity, opportunistic thieves are also out in force, treating themselves to their own version of holiday shopping. However, malls everywhere are stepping up their game with enhanced security measures to keep shoppers safe.
Donald Kau, head of communications at the V&A Waterfront, said, with an expected visitor number of more than 3 million, they have already started to prioritise safety and security.
“We’ve started to see daily visitor numbers creep upwards. We have comprehensive measures in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone. This includes maintaining safety zones, fire, and emergency access routes across the V&A Waterfront property along with our personnel for safety and security and emergency rescue services such as ER24. SA Police Services are also regularly on site.
“With more families with kids visiting during this period for example, we offer kiddies' tags at our information desks, and we encourage parents to tag their children as soon as they arrive.
“If a child gets separated, they will be escorted to one of our information desks, located on the ground level outside Nespresso and Tasha’s.”
They encouraged all parents to always keep a close eye on their little ones, in what is viewed as the malls busiest time of the year.
As this is our busiest time of the year, we do encourage all parents to always keep a close eye on your little ones.
Alleta Van Wyk, spokesperson at Tyger Valley Centre said they have also started to put safety measures in place.
“Tyger Valley Centre is fully prepared for the festive season.Our security team is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors .With a visible presence throughout the Centre, they monitor activities, manage emergencies, and aid when needed, offering peace of mind to shoppers and staff alike.”
Van Wyk also highlighted their parking facilities.
“The facilities are designed for convenience and ease, with ample space and clear signage to help you find a spot quickly. Parking attendants are available to assist and ensure smooth traffic flow, while modern payment options and a safe, well-lit environment make parking at the Centre hassle-free and secure.
“These services work together to enhance the overall experience of shopping and visiting the retail Centre, ensuring that customers can enjoy a clean, safe, and convenient environment.”
Brenda Bibby, General Manager of Liberty Promenade, also assured shoppers that Promenade has comprehensive security measures in place, not only during major traditional shopping seasons like Black Friday and the festive period but also throughout the entire year.
“These include CCTV, perimeter fencing, car guards, additional on-site security, tactical response units, and increased visibility from SAPS and Law Enforcement during the festive season.”
Bibby included a few tips for festive season shopping: Plan your shopping trip ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress; -Shop earlier in the day to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience; -Stay hydrated to maintain focus and energy throughout your shopping; and keep an eye on children at all times, as it's easy for them to wander off.
The Pavillion Mall in Durban shared their festive readiness plan.
Spokesperson for the The Pavillion Mall in Durban, Vicky Deppe, said the mall increased their security guard complement on site, armed guards stationed in and around the Centre constantly patrolling the site, local SAPS Officers continue to provide support and conduct frequent patrols both inside and outside the Shopping Centre.
“All guards remain on constant high alert during peak season.”
Deppe further encouraged shoppers to be vigilant.
“Shoppers should ensure that their vehicles are locked and nothing of value is visible; always keep mobile devices on their person; be mindful of banking security protocols; don’t let valuables, and that includes children, out of your sight; bags and hand-bags should be able to close safely (zips / fasteners) in order to safely secure items and keep track of shopping bags which can easily be put down and forgotten.”
“The team has increased the security complement for the festive season, to ensure a safe shopping environment.”
Weekend Argus