Residents are advised to take precautions when picking up deliveries
Instead of opening the gate to get your items, residents are encouraged to sign for the items through the gate and make sure no one is nearby.
Local security company, Ria Sebetsa states that residents are experiencing delays at their gates when taking deliveries of fast food or other items.
It is alleged that criminals are taking advantage of this opportunity to rob residents and delivery drivers of their vehicles, phones, and cash.
Lauretta Ngakane, head of communications for E-commerce Forum South Africa (EFSA) said, “Since the Covid-19 pandemic began two years ago, there have been reports of an upsurge in robberies and violent crimes against e-commerce delivery staff.”
It is the goal of the forum to increase awareness, confidence, and capability of the e-commerce industry in Africa.
Based on the latest SA police crime statistics, Midrand ranks among the top 10 in the second quarter of 2022/23 in terms of commercial crime as well as shoplifting, car hijacking, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Midrand Police Station Brigadier Molefe David Tsotsotso said Midrand Police Station currently ranks number 73 nationally and six provincially which makes the area one of ‘the heavyweights of crime. “Our performance has been poor this year because hijackings, house breaks, and even murders have been occurring around us, and our duty is to protect and make our people feel safe, so that is what we need to do,” said Tsotsotso.
Throughout the years, Ria Sebetsa, Midrand police, and other law enforcement agencies in Midrand have collaborated to mitigate crimes committed in the area.
There have been arrests made by the joint patrol operations in all five Midrand sectors.
Ria Sebetsa offered the following safety advice after purchasing items online:
- Keep the gate closed, even if you are expecting a delivery.
- If you are selling items online, do not bring strangers unto your home.
- Instead of opening your gate to get your items, sign for them through the gate and make sure no one is nearby.
- Instal a second security measure, such as a security gate with an intercom at the front door.
- Make sure the area is brightly lit at night for both your safety and the driver’s safety.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/313592/women-learn-self-defence/
