Criminals target domestic workers

DURBAN North SAPS has warned residents and employers that criminals are targeting domestic workers during armed robberies. This after the seventh incident in a month where criminals lie to domestic workers in order to gain access to properties. Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS said in the latest incident, a gang of armed robbers stormed a Somerset Park home after telling the domestic worker they were there to deliver something for the homeowner.

“The gang’s modus operandi started with them pretending to be water metre readers, now they are pretending to deliver items to the houses they target. In the last three incidents, Cheddar Close, Potomac Avenue and Lady Ellen Crescent, the same methods were used. The suspects want to attract attention to see how vulnerable some domestic workers are. Sometimes they will press the buzzer, they’ll hoot, anything to see if someone is at home. In the armed robbery in Somerset Park, the minute the domestic worker tried phoning the homeowner, one of the criminals vaulted over the wall, he knew in that instance it was just one person home alone.

“We are urging residents to educate their domestic workers and gardeners and make them aware of panic buttons and emergency numbers so they are better prepared. If they notice a suspicious vehicle, they need to report it either to a security company or the SAPS. Unfortunately criminals see domestic workers as easy targets,” he said.

Police issue tips for local residents

• When a stranger calls, never tell someone that you are alone or that your employer is out.
• Don’t approach the gate when someone presses the intercom or hoots at the gate.
• Know the emergency numbers or who to call or ask your employer to put the numbers up on the fridge.