Crime spikes in Pretoria CBD again
“During a patrol, a man was spotted in Pretorius street trying to break into a vehicle and arrested."
Pretoria CBD motorists and pedestrians face even more danger as crime in the area has increased for the second time this year.
Police have issued another warning for the community to watch their backs in the city centre.
“We note that pick-pocketing and theft out of motor vehicles in the Pretoria CBD has slightly increased,” said Pretoria CBD police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
She said a victim recently reported that she was approached by four women, who snatched her handbag.
“Two female suspects started a conversation with her, in the process the other two grabbed her bag and plastic bags and ran way.”
Selepe said central police crime prevention continued to work around the clock to ensure that crime was nullified throughout the CBD, “more especially focusing on problematic spots”.
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“We also have sector policing working with community patrollers who are deployed in those areas to increase visibility and interrupt any intended criminal activities.”
She said a suspect was arrested last week after swift response by the police.
The suspect had allegedly snatched a victim’s cellphone and ran away but was stopped in his tracks a few minutes later and arrested.
Selepe said efforts were made by the police to put a stop to this criminal behavior in the CBD.
“During a patrol, one suspect who looked suspicious was spotted in Pretorius street trying to open a vehicle and was apprehended. The owner of the vehicle did not want to open a case. The suspect was brought in to the station and upon profiling [it was discovered] he was wanted for another case of theft from a motor vehicle.”
Selepe said the suspect was arrested and detained by crime prevention unit members
“Awareness campaigns are also being conducted in the CBD to raise awareness on pick-pocketing and theft out of motor vehicles, by distributing pamphlets and information sessions.”
She said it had been noted that motor vehicle owners left their belongings inside the car or boot.
“These criminals are conducting observations. They can spot what’s inside the car,” said Selepe.
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“We warn drivers when leaving their cars to be vigilant and to take all valuable items with them when visiting hospitals, parks and other business areas.
“We also urge pedestrians in the CBD and surrounding areas to be vigilant.”
She gave the following tips to pedestrians.
– Don’t carry your cash and cellphones in the front pocket of a backpack.
– Do not be distracted by a person while walking in the streets.
– Make sure you safeguard your valuables and carry a bag in such a way that they cannot easily be grabbed by suspects.
She said incidents of pick-pocketing had increased in the CBD in April and May.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko have vowed to keep an eye on the Pretoria central and Sunnyside police stations as they cited them among the worst-performing stations in the province.
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