Linden SAPS urges vigilance after pickpocketing incidents
A 76-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman were targeted by pickpocketing thieves while shopping, prompting police to issue safety tips to prevent similar crimes.
Linden SAPS has issued a warning to the community, particularly elderly shoppers, about a rise in pickpocketing incidents in local supermarkets. This comes after police arrested three suspects in two separate theft cases at Ferndale on Republic.
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A 76-year-old man was shopping at Pick n Pay when he noticed a woman in a pink jacket following him. While he stood near the meat section, the woman allegedly took his cell phone from his pocket and passed it to a male suspect next to her. When they realised they had been spotted, the suspects dropped the phone onto the shelves and attempted to leave the store in different directions.
Security guards intervened and stopped them before they could exit. Upon reviewing the store’s security footage, police confirmed the theft, leading to the arrest of both suspects. They are currently in police custody and will appear in court soon.
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In a separate, but related incident, a 57-year-old woman was shopping at Checkers when she noticed a female suspect following her. The suspect got close enough to take an iPhone 13 from the victim’s handbag. When the victim realised her phone was missing, she alerted security.
The suspect, noticing she had been caught, discarded the phone onto a magazine shelf before attempting to leave the store. Security stopped her at the exit, and CCTV footage confirmed her involvement in the theft. Police were called, and the suspect was arrested and detained at Linden SAPS.
Linden SAPS has urged the public to be cautious when shopping, and has shared the following safety tips:
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
• Avoid texting while walking, as it can be a distraction.
• Carry minimal cash and use debit or credit cards where possible.
• Keep cash in different pockets rather than in one place.
• Be cautious of people standing too close and do not accept help from strangers.
If you suspect someone is following you, enter the nearest store or seek security assistance.
Sergeant Takalani Sibiya, Linden SAPS communication officer, reminded shoppers to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to security or the police.
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