Signs warning residents about criminal activity at the ATMs around Witpoortjie Shopping Centre (also referred to as Pick n Pay Witpoortjie) will be the next step in curbing crime.
This is what building owner Costa Sardianos committed to in a recent discussion about possible solutions to persistent complaints. At least 11 instances of ATM fraud in the past nine months were communicated to Western Suburbs Roodepoort Neighbourhood Watch (WSRNW), the Record reported on 5 June.
Whether it is a crime hot spot or rather a specific gang targeting unsuspecting ATM users at the premises have not yet been established. This morning (Monday 22 June) resident Johan Lewis, 68, said he was also targeted at one of the ATMs in January this year. After two males hung around the spot while he was drawing money, one approached him saying “you’re doing it wrong” and proceeded to snatch the card from his hands. Around R4 000 was withdrawn from his account by the fraudsters and after spending an hour and a half trying to report the situation to the bank, Lewis was merely told he must have given them his pin. Weeks of back-and-forth communications with the bank resulted in a mere R800 refund and a new bank card, at his own expense.
Sardianos denied ever having received complaints about the situation prior to the Record’s inquiry.
“We approached the police and they have no records of such crimes,” Sardianos in response to the Record’s questionnaire claimed.
Sardianos committed to communicating with the relevant banks to possibly move the ATMs inside the centre.
“We regard this matter as serious, it will be a priority.”
Four of the major South African banks have ATMs installed at the premises and the Record is in the process of establishing whether they’re aware of, and have possible solutions to, persistent fraud at the centre.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
Also read: Shopping Centre’s ATM unusable due to crime
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
