Residents in the west of Pretoria have been warned about the dangers of gathering at Wi-Fi hotspots.
This has come after it was brought to the attention of the police that most common robberies were reported at these popular spots again, said police spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma.
“It is alleged that criminals prey on such crowds,” she said.
“The police want to appeal to residents to refrain from spending long hours around such hotspots.”
Vuma said being unaware of one’s surroundings while working on a laptop, phone or tablet make it easy for criminals to rob residents of their belongings.
“Residents usually sit alone in a darkened vehicle with doors and windows open and the keys in the ignition,” she said.
Vuma said residents should also avoid using the hotspots at night.
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“These armed criminals are known to be using a private getaway car with no registration plates. There are normally three to four suspects in the vehicle,” she said.
“These criminals pretend to be people who are lost and asking for directions. As you try to explain the directions, they would rob you.”
She said residents should remain vigilant.
This was not the first time this crime has reared its head.
Previously, Villieria police warned residents about the same crime.
“Residents put themselves at risk of being robbed not only of their electronic equipment but also of their vehicles,” police spokesperson Captain Coba Brits said.
Centurion residents were also warned of similar crimes.
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