After the News reported on the fourth pick pocketing incident in the CBD in less than a year, police are warning that Fountain Street next to the Department of Home Affairs’ office has become a crime hot spot and recurring crimes occur there.
On 7 March Marco Schubert shared his experience of nearly being blatantly pick pocketed next to the Home Affairs office in Fountain Street.
On 9 June last year the News reported that on 27 May, 60-year-old Mike Putter fell victim to an ID photo scam where he was lured into taking his photograph in an alleyway next to Home Affairs and was grabbed around his neck and robbed.
On 8 July last year the second victim came forward to warn others of the suspected carefully crafted criminal activities next to the Home Affairs office.
And again on 14 July last year yet another victim came forward with a similar story.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, said police are aware of the recurring pick pocketing at the spot but said unfortunately a police vehicle cannot patrol that area all hours of the day.
“We do not have the resources to have one police vehicle only patrolling one street,” she said.
She said that several suspects have been arrested for pick pocketing in that area, but that many of them are out on bail.
“We also know that it is not always the same people. Most of the suspects we have arrested are first time offenders,” she said.
Mashale reminded that the security officers at the Home Affairs offices are also responsible for the safety of the people around the office an that if they suspect something they should contact the police.
“If someone fell victim to the pick pocketers or were attack they should open a case at the Krugersdorp police station. It is very important to provide us with details of what they look like,” she said.
The News did ask a security guard at Home Affairs if they are aware of the criminal activity and they said they were not.
Read more:
• Another mugging near Home Affairs
• Attacked next to Home Affairs
• Third Home Affairs victim comes forward
• Beware: pickpockets strike again at Home Affairs
