“Unpack everything before you report anything stolen.” That was the message to anyone who has recently moved to a new home and believes that they have been stolen from.
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“Criminal cases would be opened at the police for stolen property – only for people to discover the ‘stolen’ items in boxes when they later finish up unpacking everything,” police spokesperson Captain Ilze Jones told Rekord.
If you’re thinking of buying a new house or apartment, you must also beware of fraudulent scams.
“Unfortunately there have been cases reported with us in which new arrivals to an area discover that they have been hoodwinked. That their new home or the supposed landlord or contact person with whom they have been in contact with only via email or the phone, does not in fact exist. That it was all a scam to get a deposit out of the victim.”
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Residents must remain vigilant even though the holiday season is now over, she said.
“Vehicle-related crimes are the most prevalent during this time of year as members of the public tend to leave valuable items such as laptops, tablets, handbags, sports bags and cell phones in their cars.”
“Cars are often inattentively parked at any available spot, including the pavement or any open area, because of limited parking during the rush at overcrowded business premises,” she said.
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