Festive crowds bring festive crime — shoppers urged to stay alert. Pictures Credits: iStock
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – South Africans planning to visit shopping malls have been warned to stay extra vigilant, as criminals view this time of year as a prime opportunity to strike.
With holiday bonuses paid out, festive shopping in full swing, and foot traffic surging, malls become ideal hunting grounds for a wide range of crimes. These range from shoplifting and card fraud to vehicle theft, hijackings, and armed robberies.
Security and risk management firm Phangela Group said retail crime has been steadily increasing across the country. The company noted that shoplifting incidents rose by 20% between 2022 and 2023, with Gauteng and the Western Cape recording particularly sharp increases. That trend has continued into 2025, with property-related crimes surging in high-footfall areas such as shopping centres.
Not just inside the stores : Experts warn that the risk does not stop at the shop door. Parking areas, food courts, and walkways all create opportunities for organised criminal groups to blend into large crowds.
Analysts estimate that millions of rand are lost each year to vehicle thefts, hijackings, and robberies in and around mall precincts. “With bonuses paid, festive shopping coming up, and foot traffic spiking in malls across South Africa, criminals see this as an ideal window,” said Peter Kruger, head of growth at Phangela Group. He added that packed malls and distracted shoppers create a “risk matrix” that affects people long before they even enter a store. Payment cards, loyalty accounts, mobile devices, and vehicles are increasingly attractive targets.
Card fraud on the rise : Financial fraud remains a growing concern. More than 72% of all debit card fraud in South Africa occurs locally, often inside supermarkets, shopping centres, and even toll plazas. Criminals continue to exploit weaknesses in payment systems, use skimming devices, or target distracted shoppers at busy checkout points.
Kruger warned that retailers must secure their digital systems as tightly as their physical premises, while consumers need to protect their personal data just as carefully as their belongings.
Be vigilant
Tarina Vlok, managing director of Elite Risk Acceptances, a subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure, said many shoppers let their guard down during the festive season. “The season reminds us to be jolly, but it’s also when opportunists try to capitalise. With awareness, you can significantly reduce your risk,” she said.
She stressed the importance of double-checking vehicles when parking, as remote-jamming remains a persistent problem. Shoppers are advised to physically test door handles to ensure their cars are locked. Vlok also warned against leaving shopping bags visible inside vehicles. “If items are left in plain sight and stolen, it can complicate insurance claims,” she said.
Personal safety matters too: Retailers have also warned that identity theft does not only happen online. In crowded malls, pickpockets, card skimmers, and ‘shoulder surfers’ closely watch shoppers entering PINs or leaving bags unzipped. Consumers are advised to shield their PINs at checkout, keep handbags zipped and worn in front of them, and avoid engaging in unsolicited conversations — particularly in parking areas and queues. Security company Fidelity ADT added that hijackings often occur as people travel to or from shopping centres. Criminals look for predictable patterns, shoppers overloaded with bags, or people distracted by their phones.
The message is clear: stay alert, stay aware, and don’t let festive shopping turn into a costly mistake.
