FESTIVE SEASON RISKSCRIME, SAFETY AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
- Wendy
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
The festive season brings a welcome surge in economic activity, travel, and family celebrations across KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of the country, but it also ushers in a predictable rise in both criminal activity and medical emergencies.
Retailers, shoppers, holidaymakers and residents staying at home all face a unique combination of risks during this period. By understanding the crime trends and medical
incidents that typically increase over the holidays, and by taking practical precautions,
businesses and communities can significantly improve safety and reduce preventable harm.
CRIME TRENDS THAT RISE DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON
Retail Crime and Business, Targeted Offences
Retailers, whether in major shopping malls, strip malls, or standalone premises, face
increased vulnerability as foot traffic surges. The most common crime trends include:
■ Shoplifting and ‘grab-and-run thefts’, often committed by small groups taking advantage
of busy aisles and distracted staff.
■ Card fraud and digital payment scams, especially as shoppers rely more heavily on tap-and-go and mobile transactions.
■ Armed robberies, typically fast and coordinated, targeting high-value goods such as electronics, jewellery, liquor and branded clothing.
■ Parking lot thefts, including vehicle break-ins, theft of valuables, and opportunistic
hijackings.
Crimes Against Shoppers With shoppers carrying cash, parcels, and high-value items, criminals capitalise on:
■ Pickpocketing, particularly around ATMs, escalators, and queues.
■ ATM scams, device tampering, and card swapping.
■ Follow-home robberies, where victims are monitored from a bank, a mall or store and
targeted as they arrive at their residences.
Residential Crime
Holiday periods mean many homes are unoccupied, creating opportunities for:
■ Burglaries, especially in suburbs where residents travel.
■ House Robberies, people relaxing in their homes become a target for robbery, where the
criminals will use physical force and threats to force you to open safes etc.
■ Opportunistic theft, such as stealing garden tools, outdoor appliances, or unsecured items.
■ Perimeter and fence breaches, as criminals look for weaknesses they can exploit repeatedly.
Crimes Affecting Holidaymakers People embarking on holiday trips face several risks:
■ Vehicle crime, including theft at rest stops or petrol stations.
■ Accommodation scams, where fake listings trick holidaymakers into paying deposits for properties that don’t exist.
■ Beachfront and tourist-area pickpocketing, which spikes with the increase of visitor numbers.
PRACTICAL PRECAUTIONS FOR A SAFER FESTIVE SEASON
For Retailers (Malls, Strip Malls & Standalone Stores)
■ Increase visible security presence, criminals are far less likely to act when they see active, engaged security teams.
■ Use real-time monitoring of CCTV and AI analytics to identify suspicious behaviour
early.
■ Enhance access control, especially at delivery bays and staff entrances.
■ Implement strict cash handling protocols, use drop safe facilities and encourage electronic
payments where possible.
■ Train staff to recognise suspicious behaviour, respond to shoplifting, and handle
emergencies.
■ Ensure parking areas are welllit, patrolled, and equipped with cameras.
For Shoppers
■ Keep handbags, wallets, and phones zipped and close to your body.
■ Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash, use safe parking zones and avoid isolated areas.
■ Be alert when loading goods into your vehicle, criminals watch and create distraction.
■ Watch out for vehicle remote jamming, it’s very common, make sure your car is locked
before you walk away from it.
■ Car-door tampering is common. If someone is standing close to your car, especially on the passenger side, ensure the doors haven’t been interfered with and are properly closed and locked.
■ If you suspect you’re being followed, drive to a police station or secure area such as a filling station etc. do not go home.
■ Use ATMs inside malls rather than those on the street.
For Holidaymakers
■ Share your travel plans with a trusted contact and keep communication lines open.
■ Use technology such as apps like Life360 and WhatsApp where trusted family and
friends have access to your live location.
■ Do not leave valuables visible in your car, even for a moment.
■ Verify accommodation bookings through reputable platforms or local references.
■ When at beaches or tourist areas, use waterproof pouches or conceal valuables under
clothing, not bags.
For Residents Staying Home
■ Test alarms, beams, electric fences, and CCTV before the holiday season.
■ Keep entrances, garage doors, and gates locked, even during the day.
■ Use timers for lights to create the appearance of occupancy.
■ Report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the police 10111, your security company and your neighbourhood watch.
Medical Risks That Increase During the Festive Season
The holiday period also brings a noticeable spike in medical emergencies, many of which are preventable. Understanding these risks can help individuals, families, and businesses prepare
more effectively.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents on our roads rise sharply due to heavier traffic, speeding, dangerous overtaking,
drunk driving, and driver fatigue. Long-distance travel, unfamiliar routes, and the pressure to “make good time” all contribute to these serious collisions. DIY and Home-Project Accidents
With many people on leave, the festive season becomes prime time for home maintenance and DIY projects. Unfortunately, this leads to injuries from power tools, electrocution, ladder falls, and falls from rooves, to name but a few. These accidents normally occur because people attempt tasks they’re not qualified for or don’t use the proper safety equipment.
Drownings
Coastal areas see an increase in drownings, especially among holidaymakers unfamiliar with
ocean conditions. Rip currents, strong waves, and overconfidence can quickly overwhelm
inexperienced swimmers. Many incidents occur outside of designated swimming zones or
when lifeguards are not on duty.
Heart Attacks and Overexertion
We see a rise in cardiac events, particularly among middle-aged men who are generally unfit and suddenly take part in strenuous activity. Playing physically with children, joining holiday sports, or doing heavy manual tasks can place unexpected strain on the heart and trigger serious complications.
Final Thoughts
The festive period should be a time of celebration, business growth, and fun family time, not fear. But remain vigilant, it’s essential. Criminals rely on complacency, distraction, and the seasonal rush to exploit opportunities. With the right preparation, awareness and proactive security measures, both businesses and communities can significantly reduce their risks
and enjoy a safer holiday season.
As we head into the holidays, please also remember to drink responsibly and never drink and
drive, protect not only your life, but other road users too.With that, we at Mobi Ventures
wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous festive season.
T: +27 (0)31 109 1888
