Warning to anyone visiting restaurants and bars in South Africa

This is the message from Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group, who said criminals see social events as soft targets.

While these events are meant for fun and relaxation, they also present opportunities for criminals. Security experts warn that diners and partygoers are increasingly being targeted.

“Armed robbers frequently target diners as they leave restaurants. In many cases, criminals lie in wait in parking areas for the right opportunity to strike,” she said.

“Opportunistic crime takes just seconds. The best way to protect yourself and your guests is to stay alert and put the right security measures in place.”

Attacks often happen when people are distracted—leaving a restaurant, chatting outside, or unlocking their cars. Hattingh said the same risks apply at private functions hosted at home, where intruders look for easy access points.

She recommended that establishments and homeowners ensure all systems, especially outdoor beams, electric fencing, and CCTV, are fully functional and activated. 

Gates should never be left standing open while waiting for guests, as this provides criminals with a quick way in. 

Carrying a panic button is also important. “Keep it on your person at all times. A silent panic can save lives in an emergency,” Hattingh said. 

Guest parking is another weak point. Where possible, vehicles should be parked inside the property. If parking outside is unavoidable, the presence of visible security nearby can make a difference. 

Exterior lighting is also key. Motion-sensor lights around entrances and parking areas are a simple deterrent.

For larger events, Hattingh suggested asking your security company for extra patrols. “The visible presence of an armed response vehicle is highly effective,” she said.

Crime on the rise

A recent report shows that Fidelity’s warning comes at a time when crime in South Africa remains high. 

Findings from Statistics South Africa’s Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey (GPSJS)highlighted the number of crimes that never make it into police records.

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) releases official crime statistics based on cases reported to police stations, the survey collects information directly from households about their experiences. 

This shows a much higher level of crime than the police figures reflect, because many incidents go unreported.

According to the survey, theft of personal property is the most common crime experienced by South Africans aged 16 and older.

In the past year, an estimated 1.3 million incidents were recorded, affecting 1.2 million people—or about 2.6% of the adult population. Only about 31% of victims reported these crimes to the police.

Consumer fraud was the second most common crime. Around 566,000 individuals experienced fraud, amounting to 811,000 incidents. Just 35% of these were reported.

The gap between reported and unreported crime shows why people should be cautious, says Hattingh. 

With so many crimes going unreported, official statistics don’t always show the true picture. This makes it even more important to take responsibility for your own safety and be proactive.

For many South Africans, the festive and social season is a time to enjoy family and friends, but it is also a time when criminals are most active. 

Whether leaving a restaurant late at night or hosting guests at home, a few extra steps can go a long way to keeping people safe.

“Criminals are watching for moments of distraction, and it only takes seconds for them to strike. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without unnecessary worry,” said Hattingh.

Issued on BusinessTech by Malcolm Libera | https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/836350/warning-to-anyone-visiting-restaurants-and-bars-in-south-africa/