Cellphones targeted at rapper’s concert

TRADITIONALLY rap music has been blamed for teenage delinquency and truancy and the theft of six cellphones at US rapper Kendrick Lamar’s concert may lend some credence to the argument. But according to Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS, that’s not the case. He said it was just opportunistic criminals making the most out of the packed Wavehouse space.

“Most of the cases were reported after the concert and four out of the six cellphones stolen were taken out of handbags. We believe one particular criminal struck twice using a similar modus operandi.

“In the first, a female concert goer accidentally bumped into the suspect. He in turn did the same thing a few minutes later feigning innocence and it’s alleged he stole her phone at the same time. In the second incident he followed another Kendrick fan to the men’s room. He accused the man of stepping on his toe.

“The complainant denied it and the duo eventually hugged it out but it’s alleged his cellphone was also taken by the suspect,” he said.

Deokaran added there were three other incidents of cellphone theft and said it was not just limited to concerts. Deokaran warned that leaving handbags and cellphones unattended was an open invitation to criminals. He also added that some criminals used distraction or accomplices in the theft.

“The items mainly targeted are cellphones. In another incident, a woman’s handbag was stolen after she left it on the floor while she tried on a new pair of shoes. I urge shoppers to be aware of their personal belongings and to report anybody acting suspiciously,” he said.