Page 14 - KZN Business Sense

Mobi Ventures control room Mike Myers, CEO Mobi Ventures Get the App Now!
FESTIVE SEASON RISKS

CRIME, SAFETY AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Mike Myers, Security & Emergency Crimes Against Shoppers ■ Use real-time monitoring of ■ Do not leave valuables visible in Drownings
Services Advisor, CEO Mobi Ventures CCTV and AI analytics to your car, even for a moment.
With shoppers carrying cash, Coastal areas see an increase
parcels, and high-value items, identify suspicious behaviour ■ Verify accommodation in drownings, especially among
criminals capitalise on: early. bookings through reputable holidaymakers unfamiliar with
he festive season brings ■ Enhance access control, platforms or local references. ocean conditions. Rip currents,
a welcome surge in ■ Pickpocketing, particularly especially at delivery bays and ■ When at beaches or tourist strong waves, and overconfidence
Teconomic activity, travel, around ATMs, escalators, and staff entrances. areas, use waterproof pouches can quickly overwhelm
and family celebrations across queues. ■ Implement strict cash handling or conceal valuables under inexperienced swimmers. Many
KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of ■ ATM scams, device tampering, protocols, use drop safe facilities clothing, not bags. incidents occur outside of

the country, but it also ushers and card swapping. and encourage electronic designated swimming zones or
in a predictable rise in both ■ Follow-home robberies, where payments where possible. For Residents Staying Home when lifeguards are not on duty.
criminal activity and medical victims are monitored from a ■ Train staff to recognise ■ Test alarms, beams, electric
emergencies. bank, a mall or store and suspicious behaviour, respond fences, and CCTV before the Heart Attacks and Overexertion
targeted as they arrive at their
Retailers, shoppers, residences. to shoplifting, and handle holiday season. We see a rise in cardiac events,
holidaymakers and residents emergencies. ■ Keep entrances, garage doors, particularly among middle-aged
staying at home all face a unique Residential Crime ■ Ensure parking areas are well- and gates locked, even during men who are generally unfit and
combination of risks during Holiday periods mean many lit, patrolled, and equipped with the day. suddenly take part in strenuous
this period. By understanding homes are unoccupied, creating cameras. ■ Use timers for lights to create activity. Playing physically with
children, joining holiday sports,
the crime trends and medical opportunities for: For Shoppers the appearance of occupancy. or doing heavy manual tasks
incidents that typically increase ■ Burglaries, especially in suburbs ■ Report any suspicious can place unexpected strain on
over the holidays, and by where residents travel. ■ Keep handbags, wallets, and behaviour immediately to the heart and trigger serious
taking practical precautions, ■ House Robberies, people phones zipped and close to the police 10111, your security complications.
businesses and communities relaxing in their homes become your body. company and your
can significantly improve safety a target for robbery, where the ■ Avoid withdrawing large neighbourhood watch. Final Thoughts
and reduce preventable harm. criminals will use physical force amounts of cash, use safe The festive period should be
and threats to force you to open parking zones and avoid Medical Risks That Increase a time of celebration, business
CRIME TRENDS THAT RISE safes etc. isolated areas. During the Festive Season growth, and fun family time,
DURING THE FESTIVE ■ Opportunistic theft, such as ■ Be alert when loading goods The holiday period also brings not fear. But remain vigilant,
SEASON stealing garden tools, outdoor into your vehicle, criminals a noticeable spike in medical it’s essential. Criminals rely on
appliances, or unsecured items. watch and create distraction. emergencies, many of which
Retail Crime and Business, ■ Perimeter and fence breaches, as ■ Watch out for vehicle remote are preventable. Understanding complacency, distraction, and

Targeted Offences criminals look for weaknesses jamming, it’s very common, these risks can help individuals, the seasonal rush to exploit
opportunities. With the right
Retailers, whether in major they can exploit repeatedly. make sure your car is locked families, and businesses prepare preparation, awareness and
shopping malls, strip malls, Crimes Affecting Holidaymakers before you walk away from it. more effectively. proactive security measures, both
or standalone premises, face ■ Car-door tampering is businesses and communities can
increased vulnerability as People embarking on holiday common. If someone is Motor Vehicle Accidents significantly reduce their risks
foot traffic surges. The most trips face several risks: standing close to your car, Accidents on our roads rise and enjoy a safer holiday season.
common crime trends include: ■ Vehicle crime, including theft at especially on the passenger sharply due to heavier traffic, As we head into the holidays,
rest stops or petrol stations. side, ensure the doors haven’t speeding, dangerous overtaking,
■ Shoplifting and ‘grab-and-run ■ Accommodation scams, where been interfered with and are drunk driving, and driver fatigue. please also remember to drink
thefts’, often committed by fake listings trick properly closed and locked. Long-distance travel, unfamiliar responsibly and never drink and
small groups taking advantage holidaymakers into paying ■ If you suspect you’re being routes, and the pressure to “make drive, protect not only your life,
of busy aisles and distracted deposits for properties that followed, drive to a police good time” all contribute to these but other road users too.
staff. don’t exist. station or secure area such as a serious collisions. With that, we at Mobi Ventures
■ Card fraud and digital payment ■ Beachfront and tourist-area filling station etc. do not go wish you a safe, peaceful, and
scams, especially as shoppers pickpocketing, which spikes home. DIY and Home-Project Accidents joyous festive season. 
rely more heavily on tap-and-go with the increase of visitor ■ Use ATMs inside malls rather With many people on leave, the
and mobile transactions. numbers. than those on the street. festive season becomes prime T: +27 (0)31 109 1888
time for home maintenance and E: care@mobiventures.co.za
■ Armed robberies, typically fast PRACTICAL PRECAUTIONS For Holidaymakers DIY projects. Unfortunately, this W: www.mobiventures.co.za
and coordinated, targeting FOR A SAFER FESTIVE ■ Share your travel plans with leads to injuries from power tools, W: www.
high-value goods such as SEASON a trusted contact and keep electrocution, ladder falls, and
electronics, jewellery, liquor For Retailers (Malls, Strip Malls communication lines open. falls from rooves, to name but
and branded clothing. & Standalone Stores) ■ Use technology such as apps a few. These accidents normally
■ Parking lot thefts, including ■ Increase visible security like Life360 and WhatsApp occur because people attempt
vehicle break-ins, theft of presence, criminals are far less where trusted family and tasks they’re not qualified for
valuables, and opportunistic likely to act when they see friends have access to your or don’t use the proper safety
hijackings. active, engaged security teams. live location. equipment.

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