Police have expressed concern over snatch-and-grab robberies in which young people are targeted for their cellphones at pubs and restaurants in the east of Pretoria.
This after three such cases were reported over the weekend, according to police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
The first such robbery was on Friday evening at about 20:30.
A 19-year-old man was sitting with his friends at a restaurant in Middel Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk.
“While at the restaurant, an unknown man grabbed his cellphone when he took a call at the table.”
The suspect then jumped into a white Toyota Etios and fled the scene.
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Later that same evening, at about 22:56, an 18-year-old woman was at a pub in Prospect Street, Hatfield.
Weilbach said the woman was dancing when she received a call from her mother.
“Upon answering her cellphone an unknown person grabbed it from her hands and ran away.”
The third incident occurred on Sunday morning at 01:15.
“An 18-year-old woman was standing with her and her friend’s handbag outside a pub in Lynnwood Road, Menlo Park. ”
“Suddenly an unknown man grabbed both handbags and ran away with both her and her friend’s cellphones inside the bags.”
No arrests were made in any of these cases and investigations are ongoing.
Weilbach said robberies of cellphones were on the increase.
“Cellphone users are once again advised to put their heads up and cell phones down while in public places.”
She said although technology is there to make life easier, it can also increase your risk of becoming a crime victim.
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“Rather use cellphones when it is safe to do so.”
Pedestrians were also urged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.
She described headsets as one of the clear indications that a person is in possession of a cellphone, which makes one a target to criminals.
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Robbers are also targeting cellphone users who are waiting for their orders at fast food outlets.
“People who have ordered an e-hailing cab from a cellphone app should also take care to wait at safe places before it arrives.”
She said young people should also keep in mind that alcohol impairs one’s judgment.
“Criminals often observe their victims before pouncing on them; therefore, alcohol must always be used in a responsible way.”
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