“Follow-home robbers work in teams and have well-tailored approaches which they use to successfully attack unaware victims,” explained Jason Mordecai, managing director of Seven Arrows Security.
It is reported that these gangs work together, with each team member playing a different role, allowing the team to identify a possible target and then they follow the target home.
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“Although these attacks have been initiated from shopping centres all over Johannesburg, many come from smaller types of centres which have a limited number of exits.
“The reason for this is to make it easier for the criminals to follow you out of the centre,” said Mordecai.
The robbers then follow their victim to their homes where they rob them of their valuables.
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The security company offered some tips to help avoid becoming a victim of these types of crime:
• Do not make yourself a target by displaying expensive valuables on your person.
• When shopping at smaller centres be aware of who is around you and make sure to remain vigilant at all times.
• Before driving into your driveway make sure no one is slowing down behind you. If you are unsure do not stop your vehicle, rather call for help.
• Do not pull into your driveway completely and never sit idling while your gate is opening.
• Don’t let your cellphone distract you – this is what criminals count on to attack.
“If you are a victim of such a crime we urge you to co-operate with the attackers.
“Resistance increases the chance of violence in this type of incident,” Mordecai advised.
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