South Africans have been warned of an increase in criminal activities targeting citizens at shopping centres.
Security firm Fidelity ADT recently issued a statement regarding a concerning rise in opportunistic crimes taking place at public venues, including cellphone theft and car remote jamming.
These types of crimes typically rely on the victim being distracted and complacent, so Fidelity urges that citizens remain alert at all times to avoid these situations.
Cellphone snatchers, for example, have been known to target persons checking their phone while waiting for an e-hailing ride, so it’s best to wait until you are in the car to respond to your messages.
Car remote jamming, on the other hand, is a practice where thieves use a device to block the signal between your car and key fob.
This prevents the car from locking as you walk away, allowing the perpetrators to steal any items left in the vehicle.
These reports tie into a previous warning that Fidelity issued regarding a rise in “follow-home” attacks, where criminals look around shopping malls for individuals who made substantial purchases.
This tips the offenders off that the person is a valuable mark, after which they will follow the victim from a distance as they get in their car and leave.
The victim will then lead the criminals to their house, at which point they will jump out of the car and overwhelm the victim, gaining access to their car and home in the process.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity Services Group, stressed that this tactic is commonly used to target vehicles laden with new purchases, especially if the items are from a high-end brand.
ADT’s warnings are supported by the latest crime data from the South African Police Services, which recorded thousands of incidents occurring on commercial premises such as shopping centres.
During the third quarter of the 2024/2025 period, at least 12,412 robberies and thefts were reported on non-residential premises – the equivalent of 138 cases per day.
This issue is more pronounced in provinces with larger shopping malls, as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape were the worst affected overall, with 2,690, 1,906, and 1,434 cases, respectively.
Preventative measures
To avoid becoming a victim of one of these crimes, Fidelity recommends doing the following:
- Shop in pairs – Criminals are less likely to target groups
- Plan your route – Avoid driving through isolated areas and after dark
- Wait in safe areas – Stand in well-lit busy areas while waiting for an e-hailing ride
- Park in safe areas – Leave your car somewhere busy and well-lit with visible security
- Prioritise safety over convenience – Park near security guards or car guards whenever possible.
- Stay alert – Remain observant, look out for loitering individuals, and do not use earphones while walking
- Keep valuables hidden – Do not leave items on the car seats. Either hide them in the glove box or boot or take them with you
- Physically check your car doors – Always pull the handle to confirm they are locked before leaving
- Be discreet with valuables – Be mindful of observers when opening the boot or displaying valuables
Fidelity also urges car owners to install a tracker as an added layer of security for all trips.
Citizens are encouraged to report all criminal activities to the police, as even a failed attempt is still important information for crime-tracking purposes.
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