Brooklyn police have warned that criminals are out in numbers in the city, hoping to prey on unsuspecting students.
At this time of the year cases of new students being victimised by criminals are on the increase, according to police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“Criminals prey on naïve and innocent newcomers to the city and campus life because these newcomers unnecessarily expose themselves to crime.”
Weilbach said the greatest risk was vehicle-related crimes. She said students tended to negligently leave valuable items such as laptops, cellphones and bags in parked vehicles.
Students also parked on the pavement around instead of more secure parking space inside premises.
“This contributes to a high number of theft from motor vehicle cases. Students are advised to use the parking facility at the sport grounds. It is better to plan for additional travelling time to and from classes than to risk losing a vehicle.”
She said accommodation scams were also common at this time as many students turn to private accommodation after failing to secure official university residence.
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“The discovery that the ‘landlord’ you have just paid your accommodation deposit to is a fraud, is definitely not a pleasant way to start your academic year.”
Weilbach advised students to obtain a list of the institution’s accredited rental agents, use reliable estate agencies and take extra care when dealing with private homeowners.
Weilbach further urged students to be wary of “prophets” who were swindling students with claims that they have received instructions to “pray” for good luck.
“The swindler will request the property of the person to be prayed for or instruct such person to leave their their belongings somewhere while they they are being prayed for. When go back to their belongings, they will be gone together with the ‘prophet’.”
Scammers also approached young people with promises of discounts on clothing at fashion shops, said Weilbach.
“While in the fitting room, the scammer will disappear with their victims’ belongings. Do not trust blindly.”
She warned students to beware street robbers.
“Many pedestrian victims of robberies are students walking to and from residences, campus, train stations and entertainment places. The robbers normally threaten them with firearms or knives.”
She said these robberies occurred at any time – morning, noon and evening.
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“Robbers target electronic devices, mobile phones and cash. Walk in groups and keep valuables out of sight while on the street.”
Weilbach wished students a safe academic experience and urged vigilance.
Any suspicious persons, vehicle or situation can be reported to the police at 10111 or the Brooklyn police on 012-366-1735/6.
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