Pedestrians waiting for e-hailing services allegedly targeted

Fidelity ADT has reportedly observed an increase in incidents whereby pedestrians in the Sandton and Bryanston area are targeted while waiting for an e-hailing service.

According to Bryanston branch manager Josh Nel, it has noticed a new trend whereby criminals allegedly drive around impersonating an e-hailing service, looking for an opportunity to commit a crime.

“These criminals will pretend to be e-hailers and target unsuspecting victims. We are urging residents to be vigilant.

“Make sure you check the vehicle registration of the vehicle that is meant to fetch you on the app. Rather wait inside your gate until you have verified that you are getting into the right vehicle.”

Nel recommends the following to residents that utilise e-hailing services:
Make sure you know the load-shedding roster so you can plan your walk to a certain destination. Never walk in darkness so ensure you can return home before it is dark.
Don’t walk with earphones in, you have to be able to look and listen.
Where possible walk with someone to just make you a little less vulnerable. Two people can also help to identify the perpetrators and the vehicle they are travelling in better than one.
If you are a victim of an attempted phone snatching, remember to report the incident even if it was just an attempt. A crime is not a crime and will not get recorded unless it is reported.
Hide your valuables in your bag or inside your jacket pocket. You need to ensure your phone is not visible to passers-by.

“Remember that criminals are usually nervous and working under pressure, so they can make mistakes. It is better to just give them what they want and avoid being injured,” said Nel.

Related articles:  

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/307734/tips-to-avoid-crime/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/309265/sandton-police-officials-warn-residents-of-crime-treads/