VANDERBIJLPARK – South African Police Services has warned car owners and commune dwelling students to be aware of several new tactics used by criminals.
This comes after the Vanderbijlpark and Bophelong precincts experiencing lots of common robberies and carjacking recently.
According to spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu, suspects mainly target students who are staying at the communes whereby there are no security guards at the entrance gate and the residential area is open to anyone.
“The suspects usually gain entry of the commune and rob the students of their belongings including laptops and cell phones at gunpoint,” he said.
Sigcu advised students who are staying at the communes to be always vigilant and be on the lookout for any strangers entering their premises and report the matter immediately.
In a different case, car owners have also fallen prey to desperate suspects who target those parked at gates of open spaces.
“We are also experiencing problems with carjacking in our areas, whereby the suspects do not necessary tail the victim in order to highjacks the car. Mostly, the suspects usually see the opportunity and cease that opportunity on their favour,” he said
“Motorists are being advised to park their cars inside the yards when visiting, to avoid to park in quiet places at all times and always be on the lookout when you are about to open the gate of your premises,” he said.
Acting Station Commander Colonel Mashele strongly condemns the criminal activities in the area and further appeals to the community to work hand in glove with the police in order to curb these criminal activities.
