Phone-snatching scam suspects arrested in Westville
Police in Westville are investigating a case of three men that are suspected to be involved in a 'hugging and phone-snatching' scam.
THREE men were arrested in Westville on Tuesday afternoon after their vehicle matched the description of the one used in the ‘hugging and phone-snatching’ scam that had been reported in the area.
Westville Police Station communications officer Elizabeth Squires explained the modus operandi: “Someone pretends to know you, distracts you with a hug and steals your cellphone during the interaction.”
Also read: Police crack down on Mariannhill robbery gang
The men were spotted in a car without licence plates but with a permit on the rear glass – in the vicinity of Jan Hofmeyr Road.
“Members stopped the vehicle for further inspection, leading to the arrest of three males seen on camera footage stealing a victim’s cellphone from a local garage. One of the males wore the exact clothing seen in the CCTV footage. The three males were detained for using the vehicle as a getaway car in the commission of the crime,” said Squires.
Squires confirmed that Westville SAPS detectives will investigate the case.
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