SAPS Umbilo has reportedly noticed a rise in crime, including hijacking, theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor vehicles, and fraud.

Constable Brandin Naidoo of the Crime Prevention Unit said, “Fraud cases are on the rise. We are opening a lot of these cases where members of the community are being scammed via their cellphones. Scammers are targeting students with false advertising of cellphones, in particular iPhones, and accommodation. We advise all students to please verify the advertisement before making any payments.

Umbilo resident carjacked by employee

“It has also come to our attention that scammers are increasingly contacting members of the public, under the guise of banks, Takealot, and cellphone companies. And they make the call sound believable. They would request an ID number and an OTT, OTP Pin. We urge the public not to give out any information to these people via the cellphone; instead, go into the store or bank to verify.”

Naidoo also shared that vigilance must be heightened, urging people to exercise extra caution when they are at gates, traffic lights, malls, and other public places.

Umbilo SAPS officers accused of taking bribes from drug dealers

“We ask members of the community not to leave items like handbags, cellphones, laptops, wallets, and any other items of value on display in a motor vehicle when travelling, where criminals have easy access to these items.

“Members of the community are to make sure all doors and windows are properly locked, and car alarms are activated before entering the malls or any public spaces. We have now entered the winter season, it gets dark early and takes longer to get bright in the morning; the community is urged to walk in groups, not to walk around with cellphones, or any other items of value in hand when taking e-hailing cars, public transport, or walking to work, school, or doing regular exercises.”

The community is urged to call the SAPS on 10111 or security companies for assistance.

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