The Bag Lady
In light of hearing all about shopping centres which have been targeted by robbers, one may ask, when is the best time to go shopping?
I’ve heard quite a few people say in the last few weeks, “I’m going to stop going to big shopping centres, it’s too dangerous!” Or, “ I’m only going at weekends when it’s busy.”
I, for one, won’t stop. Apart from shopping being a pastime I enjoy and of course I go to the shops to see what I can find for my column, I’m not giving into crime! Quite frankly I’m sick of it and being a reporter I am exposed to crime virtually every day.
I do think though shoppers need to be more aware of what is happening around them. I still see women shopping with their handbags in the seat of the shopping trolley. I admit, I’ve done this myself but I do keep my handbag strap around my wrist. I’m sorry to say though, this isn’t a deterrent and any criminal will find my handbag easy to steal if I leave it where they can get to it.
Watch your back at all times and keep your purse and cellphone in your handbag, which should be zipped or fastened. Be careful when you are at the cashier putting your goods through. Keep hold of your handbag. Criminals love it when we are distracted. Seniors are easier targets so be especially cautious. If you feel threatened in any way or think you may be being followed go to the security office or centre management office.
Don’t take shopping back to your car and then go and do some more shopping! Criminals are watching all the time. Also make sure you have locked your car. Car jamming is still very much a reality. When you’ve locked your car, check to see all the doors are locked. Don’t make it easy for criminals.
As Christmas approaches I think we are going to see far more shopping centres targeted by criminals with petty and violent crimes being committed. They also want to do their Christmas shopping. The difference is, they don’t want to pay for theirs!
Spring is in the air
Finally, I think I can say spring is here. I certainly felt cold in the earlier part of last week but towards the weekend the temperatures were getting higher and I was becoming warmer.
As soon as spring arrives everyone seems to get a ‘spring’ in their step, pardon the pun!
The shops are full of beautiful clothing in bright and pastel colours and not only for women. I see men are being catered for well this year. I’m not sure I’ll get my husband into pastel pink or cool coral but you never know!
Super shop
Walking around The Glen, as I do, I saw The Toy Factory Shop. It’s situated on the top floor, near Mr Price Home. It’s apparently the express store and has genuine brands at amazingly low prices. I think many of us will be cutting back on expensive Christmas gifts this year but here you can really buy bargains, especially for younger children.
They have great dress-up theme costumes for little ones, which will be fab for Halloween parties. Choose from a pumpkin, skeleton, ghost, witch and others for only R78. Now that’s not bad. I wish there had been shops like this when my two were little. Whenever they got invited to a fancy dress party they had to make do with oversized sheets draped over them and cardboard hats!
The shop has loads of toys for under R100 and plenty under R50 for boys and girls. Let’s be honest, whatever you pay, the toys are usually broken by Boxing Day anyway, so rather pay R100 than R1 000. The staff were also very helpful and friendly. Pop in and see for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and maybe you can pick up a few early gifts for Christmas.
That’s it for this week.
Shop till you drop!
Julie
