AN Alberton resident is warning the public to be aware of a woman robbing customers outside shopping malls while pretending to be an in-store employee.
The resident was robbed and her handbag taken when she was approached by a young woman who pretended to help her open a pensioner discount card.
She told the RECORD that while doing her shopping at the Woolworths Food store in Lemon Tree, she was approached by a woman who deceived her into leaving the shop.
“I was busy doing my shopping when a young lady started speaking to me about the prices as we were both looking at the chicken which was on special.
“She then asked me if I had a pensioner discount card from Woolworths where points are earned. I said no and she offered to find the in-store lady to help me with this card,” she said.
The in-store woman then asked the victim to follow her. She said it was strange that she took her out of the store for this card.
“Well, this is where they take your handbag and make off with it. I’m warning people regarding this syndicate as there were three ladies outside and I do think that there are others in the shopping malls helping them get away. The elderly must look out as they specifically target them,” she told the RECORD.
Anna Mokoena, a manager at Woolworths Food, said they were aware of the incident as it was reported to them and they distance themselves from it.
“We are aware of this week’s incident which was reported to us by an elderly.
“A similar incident once occurred and we think these are experienced people. We have security measures in place to prevent this from happening,” she said.
Alberton SAPS spokesperson Capt Manare Ramotshela urged the public to open cases with their local SAPS to stop these perpetrators.
“We encourage the community to help us stop these individuals from victimising the community by reporting these cases,” said Ramotshela.
Crime can be reported to Alberton SAPS on 011 861 6800.
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