A fresh pickpocketing incident in the early hours of Saturday, May 16 has once again raised concerns over opportunistic crime targeting late-night patrons in the city centre, following closely on a similar incident reported earlier this week along Steve Biko Street.

At approximately 00:21, Mooirivier Beskerming’s CID Reaction Unit and security patrollers were dispatched to the intersection of Steve Biko and Esselen Streets after reports of a cellphone theft inside a café.

Upon arrival, it was established that two male suspects had allegedly targeted a female victim, stealing her cellphone before fleeing the scene. The suspects reportedly handed the stolen device to a third individual prior to the arrival of CID Public Safety members, complicating immediate recovery efforts.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded shortly thereafter and took control of the scene and subsequent investigation.

In a significant development, SAPS later located a vehicle believed to be linked to the suspects. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five stolen cellphones, suggesting a broader pattern of theft beyond the single reported incident.

CID manager Leandro de Beer said the latest case mirrors the modus operandi observed earlier this week, where unsuspecting clubgoers were targeted in and around entertainment hotspots.

“This is not an isolated incident. We are seeing a pattern where suspects specifically target individuals in busy nightlife areas, often working in groups to quickly move stolen items out of sight,” de Beer said.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when frequenting crowded venues at night.

“Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times. These suspects rely on distraction and crowded environments to carry out their crimes,” he added.

Investigations are ongoing.