Bryanston residents cautioned
BRYANSTON – Sandton Police Station applauded the awareness campaign being conducted by the private security sector in the area to sensitise residents about crime.
The community of Bryanston is encouraged to exercise caution and vigilance at all times.
In a statement issued by private security firm Fidelity ADT, Bryanston brand manager Josh Nel noted that there have been increased reports of impersonators trying to access residential homes, specifically townhouse complexes in the area.
He added that private security officers had responded to at least eight incidents between 24 and 30 May alone. Suspects reportedly ring the intercoms pretending to be a service provider to get details about who is at home, trying their luck to gain access.
“It is important to never let anyone into your property if their identity or reason for the visit has not been verified. Impersonators can pretend to be electricians, telephone repairmen, garden service employees, or even security and police officers,” said Nel.
Fidelity ADT encouraged residents to remain vigilant and arm their alarms, even if they were at home. Any employees who work on your property should also be fully briefed and warned to not give access to any strangers.
Sandton police applauded the private security firm for their awareness campaign to sensitise residents about crime. Spokesperson Captain Bheki Xulu, however, noted that there have been no recent incidents of impersonators reported to the station with specific emphasis on the Bryanston area.
He added that among the concerns that Sandton police have was the increased number of cell phone snatching incidents in the area. Most of the common robbery incidents reported to the station last month were related to cell phone snatching.
Xulu said the majority of the incidents occurred when victims were using their devices while waiting for transport or when they were walking in the street. Criminals approach the victims by car before one of the suspects jumps out, grabs the device, gets back in and the vehicle speeds off.
“[The most] prominent days are Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday between 5pm and 11pm,” he added.
The public is encouraged to remain aware and vigilant when using their cell phones in public.
“It is suggested that people must avoid exposing their cellular phones and preferably they should use them in a safe environment when requesting transport.”
Sandton Police Station: 011 722 4200.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/295469/is-your-home-really-safe-when-youre-out-of-town/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/279367/suspect-arrested-for-cell-phone-robbery-in-woodmead/
