Brooklyn police have warned members of the public to be careful when using cellphones in public, following eight cellphone snatch-and-grabs in the area this week alone.
“In all the incidents a man would grab the cellphone from behind and run towards a getaway vehicle waiting nearby,” said spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
The vehicle would speed off the moment the suspect jumps in and the robberies last mere seconds.
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Weilbach said victims reported a white vehicle being used as a getaway, in addition to a Toyota Corolla, Toyota Etios, Mercedes Benz and a Volkswagen Polo.
“The robberies occurred close to student residences and entertainment places where young people hang out.”
On Thursday, an 18-year-old man was waiting for a taxi in Prospect Street at 21:15 when his cellphone was snatched.
Two girl-students were robbed at their respective residences while they were opening the gate with their cellphones in hand.
Other incidents happened at fast food outlets where cellphone users were waiting for their food.
Weilbach said technology is taking away people’s focus and awareness away from what is going on around them.
“Cell phone users listening to music, texting, talking or otherwise absorbed in their phones are making themselves a prime target for criminals.”
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She believed these “car-jump robberies” were crimes of opportunity.
She said a cellphone must be treated the same as cash; do not let anybody know that you have it, and put it away while you are in public.
“Headsets are a clear indication that a person is in possession of a cellphone.”
“Although arrests for common robberies were made during the month and visible police patrols were increased, the SAPS cannot be on every street corner.”
Weilbach said cellphone users can help police reduce these crimes by taking better care of their belongings.
“Put your head up and your cell phone down.”
Anyone with information on these robberies can contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Michael Rametsi at the Brooklyn police station at 012-366-1742, or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
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