Parkmore residents are urged to be more vigilant as more criminals are lurking around the area as the festive season approaches.
Kate Wardle, chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association said, “November historically is a bad month for crime because, like most of us, criminals are also doing their Christmas shopping… play your part by staying vigilant.”
She shared some crime tips that could assist residents in Parkmore and surrounding areas. “Theft out of motor vehicles remains our biggest headache. Do not leave laptops or bags in your cars. Theft of motor vehicles is also a problem with VW Polos, Toyota Fortuners and Hiluxes being targeted. Park them off [the] street, if at all possible.”
Wardle stressed that cellphones are still being taken at major intersections and is urging residents not to check their cellphones while in the car.
She added, “We have had three incidents recently where a burglar climbed into the bathroom window at night, stealing laptops and with the residents not waking up… Please check your windows at night, even if they are on the second floor.”
Expensive watches have also recently been targeted by criminals.
“A number of Rolex watches were stolen in the past week in the wider Sandton area. If you wear a Rolex or big diamond rings, rather take them off until the end of the year.
“If someone rings your doorbell and you are not expecting visitors, rather do not answer the door. Recent incidents include a scam involving five men who sell you manure or lawn dressing. You try to negotiate the price but the scam is they charge you more than you bargained for and then become threatening. Call the police to move them on.”
Disturbingly, the scammers are trying everything to con residents.
Wardle explained, “The other recent incident involves a man ringing your doorbell and claiming that his girlfriend is in labour and he needs money to get to the hospital. He pretends he is the gardener from next door. Both of these are well-known and old scams, so don’t get caught!”
She highlighted that the police have assisted the community by increasing visibility by profiling new car guards to help introduce an element of control to the situation of car theft in 11th Street, Parkmore.
“All car guards wearing orange bibs have been profiled and fingerprinted. The key is to cut down on drunk, lawless behaviour from some of the car guards on the weekends which tends to attract criminal elements [and] make cars an easy target.”
Details: members@parkmore.org.za
