police warn of “street robberies”
Police give safety tips after three street robbers were reported recently.
The Brooklyn police are on a warpath against contact crime.
And spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach pleaded with residents who fell victim to street robberies to report the incidents to assist the police better plan their response.
She said the police and security partners such as the University of Pretoria, Tshwane metro police, Hatfield CID, community patrollers and private security companies were already investing a lot of time and money to ensure the safety of people and property in the Hatfield area.
Weilbach said the Brooklyn police were three robberies were reported in Hatfield on the same day.
She said on Wednesday at 09:30, a 29-year-old man was robbed him of his cellphone and cash, at 13:30, a 36-year-old man was robbed of his laptop by men in gold Volkswagen Jetta 4 and at 19:05, a 30-year-old man was robbed him of his cellphone and cash.
A silver Mercedes-Benz had bumped him from behind, when he got out of the car to inspect the damage, the driver of the Mercedes pointed a firearm at him and three other men got out of the Mercedes and robbed him.
She said street robberies were crimes of opportunity so taking basic precautionary steps could reduce the risk.
– Walk on the pavement, facing oncoming traffic. Robbers sometimes are operating from vehicles. They stop next to their victim, rob them and drive off,
– Items that are mostly stolen are cellphones, purses, handbags, laptops and cash. Try to keep your valuables out of sight and avoid carrying a large amount of cash,
– If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street and go directly to the nearest well lit or populated area,
– Do not get distracted by people who want to sell you items on the side streets. They are often the front of opportunistic thieves,
– Park in well-lit area and be vigilant when approached by strangers,
– Never give strangers a ride,
– Do not go with, or accept a ride from a stranger.
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