Sandton police warn community members to be careful when using their cell phones on the street.
According to Sandton police spokesperson Captain Bheki Xulu, community members have reported a number of cell phone snatching incidents in recent months.
“The Sandton CBD used to be a problematic area for cell phone snatching, but since a security company is now patrolling the area, we have seen the criminals move to the suburbs,” said Xulu.
Joggers running in the suburbs with exposed cell phones have now become the target for criminals as well as people in the street waiting for e-hailing services.
“When calling for an e-hailing service, stay in the mall or house and only come outside when the vehicle has arrived. Once your phone is exposed, you are not safe.”
Xulu added that Spitfire Street in Sunninghill and Holkam Road in Paulshof have become hotspots for this crime.
He also advised locals to avoid walking or running alone in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening.
“As far as possible, try to walk in a group, but make sure that you socially distance,” he added.
Xulu said a case had also been reported recently where a woman requested an e-hailing service outside a nightclub in Fredman Drive, Sandown.
“When the vehicle arrived, there was more than one person in the car and she still got in and was robbed.”
He said residents must be cautious and not get into e-hailing vehicles with multiple unknown people in them.
Details: Sandton Police Station 011 722 4200.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/230501/sandton-police-highlight-high-incidences-of-theft-in-the-area/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/226271/sandton-police-highlight-crime-trends-3/
