A new trend of mugging recorded at Waterfall’s BP Express garage
BP Express Waterfall owner, who requested not to be named, said the criminals are using an unmarked white polo and seemingly target people believed to be intoxicated.
The director of a local security company has issued a stern warning to Midrand residents and motorists on the new trend of mugging and robbing patrons of their belongings.
Rajan Pillay of Hawkeye Security said residents and motorists need to be alert and avoid any unknown persons making close contact or hugging them.
He said this was another trick used to distract you and take your items such as cellphones, wallets and other personal belongings.
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In two separate incidents at BP Express and Engen garage in the early hours of May 3, allegedly by the same perpetrators, patrons were deprived of their belongings.
perpetrators will pretend to know you, and start making closer contact or even hug you while greeting you and pick-pocket you in the process.
Pillay said this was another trick used to distract you and deprive you of your items such as cellphones, wallets and other personal belongings.
“Patrons from two garages in Midrand were targeted by two males driving a white polo hatch without number plates. They attempted with a few customers and eventually succeeded snatching cellphones of two males at one garage and another customer at a different garage,” said Pillay.
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BP Express Waterfall owner, who requested not to be named, said the incident was unfortunate and also urged the public to be more vigilant regarding this modus operandi.
“We have asked our security team to look into it. You should not allow strangers to approach you and enter your personal space. The victims were made to believe they knew the criminals and while hugging were mugged of their belongings,” he said.
He added that the criminals are using an unmarked white polo and target people they believe to be intoxicated.
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