Robberies are on the rise
People going about their daily lives are being robbed on the streets.
Armed criminals have Brakpan under siege and police have implored residents to be alert.
While hijackings remain a concern, the local SAPS have also noted an increase in robberies where victims are attacked on the streets.
Last week saw several cases reported:
• Tuesday – Leeu Avenue, Leachville: At 08:35 a courier making a delivery was threatened at gunpoint by two men.
The robbers were travelling in a white Toyota Corolla and fled with boxes of cellphones from the delivery vehicle.
• Wednesday – Station Road: At 06:30, a man was robbed of his jewellery and backpack containing a laptop and wallet with cash.
The perpetrators were two men.
Sapelie Avenue, Leachville: At 18:15, five occupants of a white Nissan Almera robbed a man of his cellphone at gunpoint.
• Thursday – Witheide Avenue, Leachville: At 17:15, four occupants of a white Hyundai robbed two pedestrians at gunpoint of a cellphone, personal documents, cash, bank cards, a power bank and a cellphone charger.
Mouton Street, Withok Estates: At 18:10, a man was robbed of his cellphone at gunpoint by three occupants of a white sedan.
Further cases were reported over the weekend (see Weekend crime on page ?).
Tips to keep you safe:
• Never walk around alone and don’t talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people.
• Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible.
• Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone.
• Know all emergency numbers.
• Trust your instinct.
• Avoid going onto a congested street where you cannot walk properly.
• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
(Tips: www.saps.gov.za)
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