Criminals target property sellers

Sellers of property in Randfontein are once again coming under fire from a group of ruthless criminals who enter their homes under the pretence of being interested in viewing the property and then rob them.

The Herald has in the past reported on similar crimes on numerous occasions, and according to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, this trend is picking up again with at least two cases reported in Randfontein in the past week.

“Criminals pretending to be interested in your property would come knocking at the door wherever they see a for sale sign,” says Ernst.

“They would let you take them on a tour through the house wehile secretly keeping an eye out for where you put your valuables like jewellery and other items.

“One or more of them would keep you busy while another, usually a woman, would ask to use the bathroom.

“This person will then sneak into the part of the house where something of value was spotted and steal it.

“The victims only realise they’ve been robbed later on when the criminals are long gone.”

Ernst has urged property sellers to only allow viewings to take place through their appointed property agents.

“If someone comes knocking, refer them to the agents. if people are really interested in seeing your property, they will have no problem making an appointment through your appointed agent.”