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7 Safety tips for inner city shoppers

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The festive season also known as “silly season” is fully upon us once more and with it comes the responsibility for shoppers to be extra careful with their belongings. The Mandela Bay Development Agency’s (MBDA) safety, maintenance and operations team, responsible for the regulated trading areas of Govan Mbeki Avenue will be in full alert during these holidays, working closely with the Security service providers.

Although security measures are typically beefed up with increased police visibility, security cameras and ranger patrols – some daring criminals will still take a chance. Manager for Operations, Mcebisi Ncalu says “we have observed a new type of crime emerge, bag snatcher syndicate who then hand over the stolen Identity documents (ID) to another syndicate that goes and open up credit accounts, running up huge debts” Taking a few simple precautions will help to minimise opportunities for criminals to take advantage of shoppers lack of vigilance.

Ncalu had these safety tips for Bay shoppers:

  1. Shopping Bags. Never let anyone else “watch” your bags while you are shopping – always keep your bags in eyesight (this goes for spouses or family members who you might be shopping with, no one appreciates your purchases more than you do!).
  2. Never carry too much cash. Shoppers should try and limit the amount of cash they carry during this time. Have enough but even that, hide it well.
  3. Educate Your Kids. Teach and practise with your kids in the event you get separated. The best option is to instruct your child to look for a security guard or police officer.
  4. Stay alert and vigilant. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, pay attention to your surroundings.
  5. Never lose sight of your bank cards. Beware of identity theft and keep receipts safe.
    Write down credit card and PIN numbers and leave a copy of it at home.
  6. Hide Packages. Lock away packages in the boot of the car. Never leave them visible inside the car. That’s an invitation for someone to break your windows and steal.
  7. Common sense. If you see something suspicious, report it to store personnel, shopping centre security or your local police station, trust your instinct.

The MBDA is advising shop owners and traders in Govan Mbeki Avenue on precautions to take in order to avoid being victims during this time. One of the basic steps for shop owners or tellers to take is to examine Identity Documents closely, see that the photograph is the original (not glued), the other simple indicator is age which is basically the first six digits in the ID document. We wish all our visitors to Govan Mbeki safe shopping and memorable holiday season.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.