The Safeway next to the South Hill Mall in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Safe Shopping

Woman harassed in P.A. parking lot

Feb 15, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Security concerns are being raised after an incident in the parking lot at Safeway at the South Hill Mall, but the store’s owners say shoppers can continue to feel confident.

A resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, told paNOW it happened around 5:30 p.m. When she first walked into the store there were three men standing outside. When she came out the men – who she claims showed signs of being intoxicated – approached her asking for cigarettes and spare change.

“Once I said, ‘no I didn’t’ they started harassing me using racial slurs and then I had to yell at them in order to get them to leave me alone,” she said.

She went to her vehicle and the men followed, but she was able to drive off without further incident. The woman noted there were bystanders close by in the parking lot who did nothing to help her.

“If you see somebody is alone and being targeted that way confront them,” she said. “Also, if you see someone who is walking to their vehicle alone and you see someone following them maybe it’s a good idea to just follow along just to make sure that person is safe.”

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She decided not to report the matter to police.

Safeway’s property extends out to the parking lot where the shopping carts sit. The woman said the incident happened within that range.

Since it was not reported, the Prince Albert Police Service could not comment on this specific incident. However, a spokesperson said it was important for the public to report these situations so they look into matters.

The Safeway store management would not offer comment and referred paNOW to the Sobeys corporate office. Media relations representative, Megan Buston, provided a statement to paNOW via email, which in parts reads:

Ensuring a safe shopping experience for our customers is always a top priority and we take all related customer concerns seriously. Trained security personnel, CCTV security camera systems and parking lot lighting are just a few ways that we’re committed to the safety of our customers.Though extremely rare, if for any reason a customer feels uncomfortable exiting the store, our store team and trained security staff are always standing by to assist in any way helpful.

The statement added customers could continue to feel confident safely shopping at Safeway, and the company encouraged those with questions or concerns to speak with the local store manager.

paNOW contacted the management at South Hill Mall to enquire about their security protocols but they would not offer comment.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12