Police concerned about robberies
A provincial task team was established by the SAPS to see if there was a link between these crimes.
Criminals have found new methods of skirting the law and robbing residents in the Bedfordview and Edenvale area.
In addition to following people from the airport, criminals are now also following unsuspecting residents from ATMs, shopping centres and restaurants.
A provincial task team was established by the SAPS to see if there was a link between these crimes.
According to the Bedfordview SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, “These types of robberies have been isolated incidences. So far, there has not been a link between these robberies or anything that shows a pattern, however the SAPS is on high alert.”
There have been a number of cases reported where foreign nationals were followed from the airport and robbed at their destination.
In addition, a number of cases have also been reported of residents being robbed after leaving shopping centres.
“As part of our quest to combat such robberies, we have assigned visiting malls, ATMs, shopping centres and busy parking lots as part of the duties of patrolling officers. We have sector vehicle stationed in various parts of Bedfordview to initiate a quick responses to anyone who could possibly be followed and robbed,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
He added that residents should be vigilant when driving, and should check their rear-view mirrors constantly.
On April 11, officers of the Johannesburg Flying Squad arrested two men believed to be connected to robberies in which residents were followed home.
