With everyone forced to wear masks as part of the lockdown regulations, it is also easier for criminals to blend in.
Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT, says not only is South Africa at the height of the pandemic, but we are also back to fighting increased crime levels.
Opportunistic criminals are taking advantage of the lockdown restrictions that are being eased. Suburbs, roads, towns and shopping environments are becoming livelier.
“By going out unnecessarily, you are putting yourself at risk of falling victim to crime.”
According to Hattingh, with everyone forced to wear face masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus, some criminals are taking advantage of the situation. Face masks make it easier for criminals to blend in, she adds.
She warns against not allowing your shopping excursion to become an early Christmas for criminals.
“You would think with so many people around someone would notice and come to your rescue if you are in trouble, but people are all caught up in their own worlds. This is also what makes it easy for criminals to operate with impunity in this country,” Hattingh says.
“Often, people simply do not want to get involved.”
Store armed robberies in the middle of the day are not a new trend, but has picked up significantly since lockdown has moved to level 3, she says.
One such incident took place just hours before lockdown level 3 was implemented when a business robbery occurred at a shop in Deben.
It is reported that three men entered the shop on 30 June at about 13:50 and impersonated police officials. Only the shop owner and his assistant were inside the shop at the time of the incident.
When they requested “the officers” to produce their appointment certificates, they were instead pepper-sprayed. One of the victims managed to escape and called the police. The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money and fled.
The three, including another suspect, were arrested that same day.
Hattingh says when going to the shops, trust no one. Keep your personal belongings safe in a bag which closes properly. Lately, criminals have been using small children to steal out of handbags.
Never flash your purchases around and do not wear expensive jewellery when out shopping.
Also beware of someone pushing up against you or a stranger distracting you, she adds.
“Do not accept help from strangers at ATMs anywhere. If the machine appears to not be working properly, walk away.”
Hattingh says women alone in parking areas are vulnerable. “Be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car.”
The other concern is the fact that a lot of people are being followed home.
Hattingh says if you think you are being followed, make a few turns to verify this and then phone your private security company to meet you close to your home, or go to the nearest police station.
Check your street for suspicious looking cars or people before arriving home.
Never pull up directly in front of your gate. Always stop in the street and wait for the gate to open.
Close the gate directly behind your car and wait until it is closed before exiting your vehicle, Hattingh says.
Keep a remote panic button in your car. Never open the gate for strangers, no matter what story they tell.
She advises even if you live in a boomed area, be vigilant at the entrance. If you find yourself confronted by armed robbers at your car window, keep calm and let them take what they want.
“We will not be in lockdown forever, but while we are, let us all obey the rules – mask up, sanitise, keep your social distance and stay home if you can. The fewer people out and about, the fewer victims criminals have to target,” Hattingh says.
