The Ekurhuleni SAPS Central Cluster would like to warn the public about criminals posing as SABC TV licence agents in various suburbs around Ekurhuleni.
The suspects are reportedly three men, all neatly dressed and driving a silver Volkswagen Caddy, according to Central Cluster spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele.
“They claim to be officials or agents and ask to “to check your TV licence” so that they can gain access to the home.
“We plead with the community to be alert and not to open their homes or properties to strangers.
“Contact the police or your private security company if you are suspicious of strangers or notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.”
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The Benoni Police also shared safety tips for the upcoming festive season:
Shopping:
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash, rather use a bank card to make purchases.
• Don’t carry your cellphone and wallet in your back pocket.
• Ensure that you have all your belongings before leaving a store.
• Report suspicious people, behaviour or situations to mall security.
• Don’t leave valuables in trolleys.
• Beware of scamsters loitering in passageways trying to sell items at discount prices.
ATMs:
• Always cover your pin by shielding the hand that is typing even if it appears nobody else is around.
• Never accept help or ask anyone to assist you. Rather go inside the bank for help.
• Never make large cash withdrawals.
• If you see somebody suspicious loitering near an ATM, walk away.
• If anything suspicious happens, cancel the request and leave.
• Never leave your receipts in the machine.
• If you are bumped or distracted while using an ATM, cancel your transaction, make sure you have your own bank card and leave the area immediately.
Parking areas:
• Roll up all windows and lock the car doors.
• Check the doors by hand after locking with a remote.
• Don’t leave valuables in the car.
• Be aware of your surroundings and have your keys out and ready when approaching your vehicle.
• Don’t linger once getting into your car.
• Never leave children or animals unattended in a vehicle.
Handbags:
• Ensure your bag is zipped or securely closed at all times.
• Never leave it unattended.
• Minimise the items you carry in your handbag.
• Valuables, like a cellphone, should not be visible.
• When loading your boot with groceries, place your bag on the floor inside the car and close the door.
If a child goes missing in a mall:
• Immediately alert mall security.
• Produce a photograph of your child to the relevant people as soon as possible.
• Try to recall whether your child wanted to go somewhere or spoke to someone unknown.
• Label your child’s clothing with a reachable contact detail.
• If at all possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to restrooms.
• Teach your child to go to a shop clerk and ask for help when they are separated from you.
Emergency contact numbers:
• EMPD Call Centre: 011 999 2093
• Fire and emergency services: 011 458 0911
• Ekurhuleni Metro Call Centre: 011 999 6322
• SAPS emergency: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177
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