Midrand Sector 3 Crime Forum give update on crime situation in sector 3
Otto Ramokoka, patrol co-ordinator, urged patrons of San Ridge Square Shopping Centre to be vigilant of phone snatchers, for residents to make sure to close and lock all windows and doors, and to be aware of a scammer calling to exchange funds.
Common robberies and residential burglaries are some of the crime patterns the Midrand Sector 3 Crime Forum has picked up.
The crime forum, which is a sub-forum of the Midrand Community Policing Forum (CPF), oversees suburbs like Noordwyk, Blue Hills, Erand, Blue Valley, and Crowthorne.
Patrol co-ordinator Otto Ramokoka said most victims reported grabbing cell phones while they were jogging, or even walking on the road side. He said this was common in Blue Hills and San Ridge Square Shopping Centre.
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“They happen also along Garden and Lever roads, between 06:00 to 09:00, and again around 15:00 to 18:00. Affected days are Wednesday and Friday.” He added that recently, many cases of phone snatching had been reported at a popular takeaway franchise at San Ridge Square Shopping Centre, while patrons were preparing to pay through the tapping payment method. He said the snatcher then runs towards a waiting car before speeding off.
Ramokoka also added that sometimes residents forget to close small bathrooms or toilet windows, which buglers use to gain entry into houses. “Once in the house, they take mostly laptops, cellphones, sound systems, and money,” he said. Ramokoka pleaded with residents to ensure that all windows and doors are locked before going to bed, and to be vigilant at all times.
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He also warned of a possible scammer who calls people wanting to swap US Dollars into South African Rands. “Don’t fall prey, as you might become a victim of money laundering.”
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