Business
Why South African Shopping Malls Attract Crime During Peak Shopping Season
When festive crowds arrive, criminals follow
Anyone who has tried to find parking at a packed mall in December knows the feeling. Cars circling. Queues everywhere. Phones out. Bags piling up. That sense of rush and distraction is exactly what criminal groups look for.
Security specialists are warning that shopping malls across South Africa are becoming prime targets at this time of year. Bonuses hit accounts, foot traffic surges, and shoppers tend to let their guard down. According to risk analysts at Phangela Group, retail crime has been climbing steadily, and the trend has not slowed in 2025.
Shoplifting alone jumped by 20 percent between 2022 and 2023, with Gauteng and the Western Cape recording particularly sharp spikes. High footfall areas continue to see increases in theft, fraud, and vehicle-related crime.
The danger does not start at the till
One of the biggest misconceptions is that crime only happens inside stores. In reality, the entire mall ecosystem creates opportunity.
Busy parking areas provide cover for remote jamming, break-ins, and hijackings. Food courts and queues make it easier for pickpockets and card skimmers to operate unnoticed. Even walking between shops with a phone in hand can make someone an easy target.
Peter Kruger from Phangela Group says criminals view this season as an ideal window. With crowds packed tightly and attention divided, risk builds long before a shopper reaches a checkout. Payment cards, loyalty apps, mobile phones, and vehicles all become attractive targets.
Card fraud is rising closer to home
Financial crime is another growing concern. More than 72 percent of debit card fraud in South Africa happens locally, often inside supermarkets and shopping centres. Criminals exploit busy checkout points, weak retail payment systems, and distracted customers entering PINs.
Kruger warns that digital security matters just as much as physical safety. Retailers are urged to secure their networks properly, while shoppers should protect personal data as carefully as they would a wallet or car keys.
Simple habits that reduce risk
Tarina Vlok from Elite Risk Acceptances, part of Old Mutual Insure, says many people relax their vigilance during holiday shopping.
Remote jamming remains a common tactic in mall parking areas. Shoppers are advised to physically check that their vehicle is locked rather than relying on a remote beep. Purchases should be placed out of sight, as visible shopping bags can invalidate insurance claims if a break-in occurs.
Inside malls, awareness is just as important. Spar has warned that identity theft thrives in crowded spaces. Criminals watch for unzipped handbags, exposed wallets, and shoppers entering PINs without shielding keypads. Shoulder surfing and distraction tactics are especially common in queues and car parks.
The risk continues after you leave
Crime does not end when the shopping bags are loaded. Fidelity ADT notes that hijackings around shopping centres are often opportunistic. Criminals observe routines, watching for people returning to the same parking spot or leaving overloaded and distracted.
The advice is consistent. Stay alert, vary routines where possible, and avoid being absorbed in your phone when walking to or from your car.
A season to enjoy, not regret
Malls remain a central part of South African festive culture. They are where families meet, gifts are bought, and year-end traditions unfold. The goal is not fear but awareness.
Social media reactions show many shoppers sharing similar stories of near misses and stolen items during peak periods. The common thread is distraction. A little caution goes a long way toward ensuring the festive season ends with memories, not insurance claims.
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Freepik
