As the festive season is upon us after a challenging year, local police stations have highlighted prevalent crimes.
Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Johanna Madiga said that the station has experienced a number of armed robberies aimed at drivers who stop their vehicles and wait in driveways of their destinations.
Madiga explained that the drivers will then be left surprised when a car blocks them from behind. Suspects also carry firearms.
“People should avoid sitting in their cars at night as it is not safe.”
She appeals to drivers to be alert at all times and observe any suspicious cars following them.
“If you suspect someone is tailing you, take a longer drive around the block until it’s clear.”
Madiga warns that streets in Birch Acres, Birchleigh and Norkem Park have become hot spots for armed robberies where vulnerable pedestrians are targeted.
“School learners have also been targeted, especially those who walk while listening to music with their earphones. This makes pedestrians particularly vulnerable as they’re far less alert to what’s happening around them.”
The most common items that have been stolen are cellphones and handbags. All pedestrians are reminded to be alert.
On Kempton Park SAPS’ front, the chief spokesperson told Express that there has been an increase in incidents of car hijackings, housebreakings, street robberies and business robberies.
Capt Jethro Mtshali said that the hijacking occur mostly in Rhodesfied, and the housebreakings are on the increase in Glen Marais, Bonaero Park and Kempton Park Extension.
Street robberies have spiked in Kempton Park CBD and in CR Swart Drive under the bridge adjacent to Festival Mall.
Mtshali said: “To alleviate these crimes, especially during the festive season, we appeal to communities to avoid parking the vehicles at the hot spot areas like Kerk Street.
“We ask to particularly be aware of being distracted by suspicious individuals who try to signal that one’s tyre has a puncture. This is especially relevant for truck drivers on the freeways.”
He appeals to the communities to arrange house sitters when going on holiday or out to visits to avoid housebreakings.
“Also avoid walking in the street while busy on the cellphone.”
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