Police warn of new crime trend: Criminals are now targeting guesthouses
Kagiso Police warned guesthouse owners to be extra vigilant after two cases were reported in a space of two months.
A new crime trend has been rearing its ugly head in Kagiso and the police are warning guesthouse owners to be extra vigilant.
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Kagiso Police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya said they have noticed the new crime pattern in which guesthouses are being targeted. He added that at 20:30 on Sunday, February 26 a local guesthouse on the township’s main road, Kagiso Avenue, was robbed by two armed suspects.
Kagiso police are concerned that this kind of crime might spread to other neighbouring areas within the district. Two guesthouses have been robbed so far in Kagiso in a space of two months.”
Captain Sibiya said in both these instances two unknown suspects entered the reception area and pretended to be interested in booking accommodation. They, however, said that they wanted to see the rooms first, after showing the suspects a few rooms and on their way back to the reception areas, the robbers pulled out firearms.
They demanded cash from the victims and fled with cash and cell phones.
We wish to advise and urge owners of guesthouses to improve their security measures. Guests entering their premises must be searched and other security measures considered. More caution must be applied during welcoming and orientation of guests.”
The police are asking the public if they know who these criminals are to phone them on 011 696 9059, 011 696 9065, 011 696 9067 or the Crime Stop Line on 0860 10111.
“Members of the public are encouraged to use the police SMS line on 32211 or provide tip-offs via the MySAPS App which can be downloaded from your communication device.”
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