Shopping malls should be a place for leisure, family time, and simple errands. Yet increasingly, these spaces have become the backdrop for shocking acts of violence and aggression, leaving many Australians – particularly women and families – questioning how safe they really are when stepping out to shop.

The Growing Threat in Public Spaces
Recent months have seen a surge of disturbing incidents across Australian malls. From knife attacks in Melbourne’s Moonee Ponds to the infamous Westfield Bondi Junction tragedy, the scale and frequency of these violent events have rattled the public. In some cases, ordinary shoppers have found themselves forced to intervene – throwing chairs or physically restraining offenders – just to protect themselves and others.

The impact of these threats isn’t just physical. It’s psychological. Parents worry about dropping their children off at shopping centres. Shoppers glance over their shoulders, carrying makeshift self-defence tools like deodorant cans – the only legal alternative in the absence of pepper spray.

Security Isn’t Just About Numbers
While some argue that increasing the number of security guards could solve the issue, Scott Taylor, security and risk expert, suggests otherwise.

“It’s not about more guards. It’s about better training. People with bad intentions – whether it’s violence or shoplifting – exhibit behaviors and physiological changes before they act. With proper training, guards can be equipped to recognize these pre-violence indicators and intervene before a situation escalates.”

This approach focuses on body language recognition and behavioral analysis – skills that allow security personnel to detect subtle signs of agitation, concealment, or premeditation. It’s a strategy aimed at prevention, not just reaction.

What Else Can Be Done?
In some countries, facial recognition technology is being deployed in malls to identify known offenders before they can strike. While controversial, when used responsibly and combined with expert human judgment, such technologies can be part of a broader safety strategy.
However, technology alone isn’t the answer.

With over 1,100 police vacancies and reduced station hours in Victoria, proactive law enforcement is stretched thin. This leaves a greater burden on shopping centres themselves to invest in more sophisticated, well-trained security teams.

Vigilance Starts with All of Us
As shoppers, we also play a role. Staying alert, avoiding distractions like noise-canceling headphones, and knowing your surroundings are simple yet powerful ways to enhance personal safety.

Taylor warns against the dangerous “film” response – where people instinctively pull out their phones to record incidents rather than seek safety. This behavior can increase risk not only to the person filming but also to those nearby, including children.

Moving Forward
No security measure can completely eliminate risk, but with smarter strategies – from improved guard training to advanced monitoring technologies – we can make public spaces safer. Shopping malls must take responsibility to create environments where families can feel secure again. Because ultimately, no one should have to think twice about their safety just to go shopping.

Scott Taylor
Scott Taylor CPP is a Combined Communications Expert and Security, Safety and Risk specialist with over 30 years of global industry experience.