CBD cellphone robberies spike
Many of these robberies are taking place at WiFi hotspots.
Police have warned the public to be careful while using their cellphones at free WiFi hotspots in the Pretoria CBD, following an increase in robberies at such spots over the past few weeks.
“While WiFi across the city centre is extremely popular and has helped many young people access the internet, there is also danger where free internet can be accessed,” said Pretoria central police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
“Often you will find young people sitting in groups or standing in a queue using cellphones with no caution that their cellphones can be grabbed.
“Pretoria police and social crime prevention units continually hold awareness campaigns and warn people to refrain from using cellphones in public places, mostly where there is a potential of criminal activities to occur,” Selepe said.
“We urge the public to refrain from using cellphones in public spaces as it may grab the attention of a robber. Furthermore, those who walking in the streets and doing shopping need to be vigilant at all times. We need the participation of the public to fight crime as we move into the festive season,” she said.
Selepe also advised motorists to refrain using a cellphone while driving.
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“Motorists should be extra cautious when driving and using cellphones, as they can easily become victims of a smash and grab. We urge them to avoid displaying their valuable items inside cars including cellphones and laptops,” she said.
Selepe said residents should always be vigilant and only use their valuable items when it was safe to do so.
“Being unaware of your surroundings while working on a laptop or cellphone makes it easy for criminals.
“In some instances when police conduct a preliminary investigation, the victim is not being honest on how the cellphone was stolen.”
Selepe warned that anyone who makes a false statement would be persecuted.
“If a person is found to be intentionally making a false statement under oath or misleading the police providing incorrect information, the person will be charged with perjury,” she said.
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