Staying Vigilant in Mall and Shopping Centre Carparks

Carparks attached to shopping centres and malls have become a targeted environment for armed robbery, precisely because they are transitional spaces — people are distracted, carrying bags, moving between a building and a vehicle, and rarely at full attentiveness to their surroundings. Coordinated attacks in these spaces have involved a vehicle used as a staging point for masked, armed accomplices who approach victims in broad daylight. The use of a getaway vehicle allows criminals to quickly cover the carpark, select an isolated target, execute the robbery, and exit before security or bystanders can intervene. Victims are most vulnerable when walking alone to their car or sitting in a stationary vehicle away from the main flow of people.

Steps to follow:

• Walk to your vehicle with purpose and your keys already in hand — do not stand in the carpark searching through bags or a purse.
• Be alert to vehicles that are stationary with occupants who do not appear to be arriving or leaving — tinted vehicles parked near an exit or at the perimeter deserve particular attention.
• If you notice a vehicle following you slowly through the carpark, do not proceed to your car — return to the mall entrance and alert security staff immediately.
• Park in lower-level, busier sections of carparks where possible — distance from other people and poor lighting increase your exposure.
• Do not sit alone in your parked vehicle in a mall carpark for extended periods; if waiting for someone, wait inside the mall instead.
• If confronted by armed individuals, comply immediately — hand over your property without resistance and report to police as soon as you are in a safe location.