A 21-year-old female cashier from a supermarket in Alexandra Street appeared before the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 19 charged with fraud and theft.
The Estcourt police arrested the woman on Monday, January 18 for allegedly stealing a customer’s bank card and withdrawing cash from the customer’s bank account.
At about 3.45pm on January 11, a 55-year-old customer went to the supermarket, made his purchase and approached the till to pay for the items he bought.
He handed his bank card to the cashier, and she inserted it into the speed point machine. The man punched in his pin code; the cashier removed the card and reinserted it, asking the man to re-enter his pin code. The 55-year-old took his parcels and left; not realising that the cashier did not return his bank card.
The next day he realised had he left the supermarket without his bank card. He returned and consulted with the store manager.
A week later he was called in to view the store’s camera footage, the police were contacted and after searching the cashier’s bag, the man’s bank card was found. A case was filed with the police and the 21-year-old was arrested and charged.
Police appeal to the public to never lose sight of bank cards to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Safety tips to practice from police spokesperson, Captain Charmaine Struwig:
– Wherever possible rather swipe or insert the card yourself and return the card to a secure place, in your possession, as soon as possible.
– When inserting your pin code ensure that you cover the device so the no one can view the numbers you are punching in. – In case of a lost bank card, contact your bank immediately to stop any unauthorised transactions. As in this case, make contact with the store you were at in order to trace the card and possible suspect.
In the interest of safeguarding your money, it is advised that all members of the public learn to use ATM’s and other devices on their own in order to prevent theft or card theft. If you cannot use such devices, take along someone you trust to assist you. NEVER trust strangers to help you at the ATM or other devices, you cannot tell from just looking at someone whether they are genuinely helpful or a criminal after your hard earned money.”
