A local security company, Safe Guard, has issued a warning to the community about a recent modus operandi where criminals snatch people’s phones from their hands.
A director at the company, Emile Eblen, said the criminals target restaurants, shopping centres, petrol garages and traffic lights. “A few cases have been reported to the police and the crime trend is on the rise. They are running and snatching the cell phones while people are making a call,” he said.
Eblen added that the suspects have an escape vehicle which they use to flee the scene. He said they are also stealing valuables from the restaurant tables positioned on the walkways outside.
“Although it is difficult to give safety tips to prevent this kind of crime, we encourage all residents to be vigilant and keep all valuables in pockets or close to them at all times while at restaurants.”
Eblen said people should also be aware of their surroundings and anything suspicious. “When you are in your vehicle speaking on your phone, use the ear which is away from the window.”
The spokesperson for Midrand Police Station, Sergeant Matome Tlamela, said, “We have not had any case of this nature reported at the station. However, we would like to encourage the public to report to the police if it happens.”
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