WATCH: Montclair CPF warns residents of new crime patterns
According to the Montclair Community Policing Forum chairperson, the latest modus operandi used to rob people is the hug-and-take method.
THE Montclair Community Policing Forum (CPF) warns of escalating crime trends and has issued tips for residents to protect themselves from crime.
As the country commemorates Crime Prevention Awareness Month, commemorated annually in October, the CPF held a patrol and advised businesses and residents on the various crimes that affect the community.
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Jackie Goncalves, Montclair Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, said the community needed to be aware of crime trends in order to be extra vigilant and play a role in the fight against crime.
The latest modus operandi used to rob people of their belongings, Goncalves said, was the ‘hug and take’, where either the perpetrator bumps into someone and robs them of their cellphone or wallet, or the perpetrator behaves as if he knows the victim and hugs the person while robbing them of their valuables.
“During the year end, and leading up to the holidays, people need to be extra vigilant while using ATMs. Look for suspicious activity before you use the ATM, and do not allow anyone to assist you at an ATM.
“If you feel unsafe when approaching an ATM, rather not use the machine and go back at another time. Children also need to be safeguarded at malls. Parents need to dress their children in bright-coloured clothes so that they can be easily spotted, and children need to be in your sight at all times,” Goncalves added.
To join the CPF, or street-watch committees, contact Jackie Goncalves on 066 017 6371.
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