Pensioner left disorientated and handbagless after being led out of store by three women
“We need to work together in an effort to keep our city's oldies safe."
The city’s senior citizens are urged to be vigilant when visiting local shopping centres.
This warning comes from the Benoni CPF after a female shopper was robbed of her handbag and jewellery at Rynfield Terrace on March 21.
According to information gathered, the shopper was in the SUPERSPAR when she was allegedly approached by a woman claiming she could help her secure additional discounts on certain items if she followed her to PEP.
“I cannot understand why, but I willingly followed her. Inside the shop, two other women joined, asking me for my handbag and ring,” said the victim, chastising herself.
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“I didn’t feel threatened, but it felt like my judgement was impaired. I even removed my ring and gave it to them.
“After they left, I became disoriented and couldn’t remember any further details. I am too scared to go anywhere alone anymore.”
A fellow shopper came to the woman’s aid, noticing that she looked confused.
“She was standing in front of PEP Home. She couldn’t remember how she got there, only that three women took her personal belongings. She was distraught,” said the good Samaritan.
Centre management responds
Responding to questions, SKS Properties, managing agents for Rynfield Terrace, said that they are aware of the incident.
“The matter is under investigation, and we are engaging with centre management as well as security teams to review the circumstances and determine whether any additional information or CCTV footage is available,’ they said.
“Rynfield Terrace has established security measures in place, including on-site security personnel and regular patrols throughout the centre. We continually assess and enhance these measures where necessary to ensure a safe shopping environment for all visitors.”
They said that the centre management is engaging with tenants to raise awareness regarding the incident and to encourage vigilance among store staff, particularly in assisting vulnerable shoppers where possible.
“We urge shoppers who feel unsafe or require assistance to approach the nearest store, security personnel, or centre management office. Our teams are available on-site to provide support when needed,” they said.
CPF looks at lending a hand
Dr Reza Patel, chairperson of the Benoni CPF, said that the incident is not isolated and numerous other reports have been received across the city.
“These criminals are opportunistic, and their modus operandi seems to target the elderly,” he said.
“In an effort to better safeguard some of the most vulnerable citizens of our community, I would like to see service organisations and businesses banding together. It would be ideal, especially on pensioners’ days or high volume shopping days, to see members of these organisations assisting elderly shoppers.”
“Their role could be to keep an eye out for would-be criminals, while pushing heavily laden trollies, loading groceries and assisting anyone who may not be stable on their feet.
“We all need to join hands in sending a message to criminals that our oldies are protected and will not fall victim to crime.”
Benoni CPF Sector 1 chairperson, which includes Rynfield, Morehill and Ebotse, Kim Morrow, has the following safe shopping tips:
• Where possible, leave chunky handbags, bulky purses and high-value jewellery at home.
“Criminals often target individuals who appear to be carrying items of high value,” she said.
“Opt to rather discreetly carry bank and loyalty cards as well as a small amount of cash, on your person.”
• Do not shop alone.
Shop in groups; criminals avoid group settings and would rather target lone shoppers.
• Don’t talk to strangers or follow them to an isolated area or outside of the setting where you are conducting your business.
• “There is no such thing as freebies or prizes for competitions you did not enter,” said Morrow.
“Do not engage with anyone offering you an exclusive offer outside of the store where you are shopping.”
• When in doubt, alert the store manager, on-site security, staff or even other shoppers, if you notice anything suspicious or feel that you may be a target of crime.
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