Police spokesperson for Midrand police, Constable Matome Tlamela, said according to the complainant, a suspect approached him while he was using an ATM and allegedly tried to grab his bank card. The man shoved the suspect away and moved on to use the next ATM. A second suspect then approached the complainant and allegedly grabbed his bank card.
Both suspects ran and got into a VW Polo and drove off. “The complainant allegedly chased the suspects on foot and banged his fist against the suspects’ vehicle while shouting to security guards for help. Guards quickly gave chase in a vehicle and caught the suspects before they could get far,” said Tlamela.
Police were called to the centre and arrested the two men. The suspects will soon appear at Midrand Magistrates’ Court on a charge of common robbery.
Tlamela urged residents to avoid chasing criminals as it was very dangerous. “When you are a victim of crime, call the police, don’t try and confront or chase criminals, they may be armed.”
When using an ATM, Midrand police advise:
- Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM
- Never give your card or pin to anyone
- Don’t write your pin number on the card or anything that is kept with the card
- Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen
- Never use an ATM with a blank screen that is poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM
- Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as a shield as you key in your pin
- Make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can take your card
- Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM
- Criminals work in teams, one to distract you while the other steals your card or money
- If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM, it is advisable to phone your bank’s toll-free number to stop the card immediately
- Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf – they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped
- Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and, therefore, cannot help you with transactions
- If you need help, ask a bank official
- It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.
Have you ever been concerned about withdrawing money because of people hanging around an ATM? Share your story on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page
