Within its policing precinct, Parkview Police Station has been experiencing an increase in common robberies at restaurants.
Sector 1 suburbs, that are affected by this increase, are Delta Park, Craighall Park along with Marlborough, Parkhurst 4th and 14th streets, as well as Parktown North 7th Avenue. Sector 2 suburbs are Emmarentia in botanical gardens, Tana Road, Louw Geledenhuys Drive, Greenside along Greenway and Glen Eagles Roads, Parkview and Westcliff along The Valley Road.
According to the station’s Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, numerous cases of common robberies were reported at the station with the same modus operandi. “The complainants allege that while waiting for an e-hailing transport outside the restaurants, an unknown man grabs his/her cell phone and jumps inside a car and drives off.”
She added that even while walking or jogging, an unknown man would stop their vehicle and rob them of their cell phones.
Patrons are advised to:
- Avoid using cell phones outside restaurants while requesting for e-hailing transport
- Wait inside the restaurant while waiting for e-hailing transport
- Keep personal belongings such as cell phone, handbag and wallet safe
- Do not display money in public.
Safety hints for victims:
- Comply, remain calm and do not argue with crime perpetrators
- Do not make sudden gestures
- Avoid eye contact but try to remember how the perpetrator looks like by identifying and remembering special features
- Try to get away safely from the area as quickly as possible
- Do not be a hero, your life is worth more than anything.
The police are appealing to the community to assist with information that could lead to the possible arrest of the suspects. Anyone with information may contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, Crime Line SMS number 32211 or My SAPS app.
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