Criminals have taken to staking out local banks in order to identify potential victims.
According to EPR Security operations manager Mac van Zyl, EPR has responded to three incidents in January where people who have just left the bank after withdrawing money, were robbed.
“These incidents have been ongoing for a number of months now and the only way in which we can protect people is by raising awareness around this type of crime,” says Van Zyl.
“Owing to this, we would like to warn the community to be careful when going to financial institutions to withdraw money and to take precautionary measures when doing so.
“In most instances, criminals followed their identified victims and struck when they were most vulnerable.
“Never let you guard down and think that your valuables are safe.
“We do not yet know how they identify their victims, but we suspect that the robbers probably know the approximate amount withdrawn, making it easier for them to target you,” warns van Zyl.
The Herald has spoken to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ersnt who says that they too have had similar cases reported to them, which are currently under investigation.
“We have had incidents reported on 20 and 23 January where victims withdrew large amounts from the bank and were later robbed.
“The incidents occurred in Aureus and in Westergloor respectively and both victims had withdrawn the amounts to purchase vehicles,” says Ernst.
She adds that people need to be constantly aware of their surroundings and take precautionary measures where their safety is concerned.
