There has been an increase in opportunistic crime where criminals are targeting people waiting for taxis, said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.
“With more people using Uber, taxis and cabs we have seen an increase in people being mugged while they stand on the side of the road or outside a venue.
“There have also been reports of children being approached outside of schools while they wait for their lifts or parents,” said Hattingh.
Fidelity ADT is urging taxi-users to be on the alert and find safer places to wait.
“Try and avoid dark, isolated places.
“If you are being fetched from your home, rather wait inside your gate than on the pavement.
“If you can, wait in groups and keep valuables out of sight,” she said.
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Fidelity ADT also suggests looking into security apps, such as ADT FindU, that you can activate while you wait and leave on until you safely reach your destination.
“If anything should happen to you while you wait or during the trip you can use the app to call for help.
“Security companies can then track where you are and send assistance,” Hattingh said.
“This is a very real threat and we urge people to take it seriously.”
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