Street crimes taking place frequently

POLOKWANE – Violent robberies on the city’s streets appear to be occurring more frequently of late, with several people being victims over the weekend.

Last Friday, Cindy Wilson was robbed in Market Street as she was walking along. Wilson said a man bumped into her, apologised and continued walking in front of her. “Two men who were also walking along warned me I should be careful as this was a method used to rob people in the street,” Wilson said.

“A few metres further on, the man who had bumped into me turned around, grabbed me by the neck, and pulled me down while he tried to take my necklace off.” The man failed to get the necklace, but made off with Wilson’s two cellphones, she said.

In a separate incident, involving two women in Lt Gert du Toit Crescent in Welgelegen, occurred on Sunday.

The two women, who did not wish to be identified, said they were walking to a nearby shopping centre and paid no heed when two men walked past them.

The next moment, the men turned around and grabbed the women from behind demanding their money.

The women complied and the men then demanded their jewellery. When one woman did not comply, one of the men took out a knife and threatened her, at which she complied immediately.

The two women said the men fled when a vehicle drove past.

According to Col Ronel Otto, provincial police spokesperson, street robbery, which is defined as the use or threat of force to steal property from a person in a public place, occurred at specific times in specific places and certain types of people were targeted. She said these included the elderly, women, children and men who were distracted, such as busy talking on their cell phones.

She further said items that were most frequently stolen included wallets, jewellery, handbags, cameras, MP3 players, laptops and cellphones.

Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala said judging by the arrests made for street robbery, most street robbers were under the aged of 30 years.

“Street robbery is a popular crime as it is quick and profitable, bringing in quick cash,” Phala said.

He said street robbers preferred victims they could intimidate or overpower, such as women under the age of 30 or elderly woman and men over the age of 50. Phala advised those who were confronted with physical violence or the threat of violence not to resist or fight back, unless they felt their physical safety was in immediate danger.

He said it was better to prevent a crime from happening than to become a victim. “Be aware of your surroundings. Where possible, do not carry handbags, wallets or other valuable items in the open and avoid walking alone,” he said.

He urged residents to report such incidents to their nearest police station or community policing forum in their areas.

Be alert, police warn after muggings rise

FULL STORY: Sisters stand up against robber