WESTVILLE SAPS has issued a warning following an increase in certain crimes.

The station’s communications officer, Captain Elizabeth Squires, said they have seen a significant increase in reported cases of fraud where the victims have been scammed.

“We are appealing to our community at large to be extra careful when shopping online. Try to shop on trusted secure websites using a secure form of payment.”

She said scammers are very convincing.

Also read: Pinetown SAPS identifies crime hotspots this festive season

“If it’s too good to be true, too cheap or too easy, it’s a scam and you will lose your money.”

Squires also advised the public to be vigilant of pick-pocketing when in congested shops or shopping aisles where one cannot walk properly.

“Keep your handbag close to you and zipped. Keep your mobile phone with you. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the back pocket of your trousers,” she advised.

Westville SAPS said there has also been an increase of motor vehicles being broken into.

“We appeal to the community not to leave any valuables in their vehicles. When locking the vehicle please double check that it is actually locked. Many cases are reported where items have been stolen but with no sign of forced entry,” she said.

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