Cellphone robbers nabbed in Lynnwood
The area and surrounding have been plagued by cellphone robbers who target patrons at eateries or joggers on the road.
Brooklyn police recently arrested three alleged cellphone robbers in Lynnwood.
The area has been plagued by cellphone robbers who either target patrons at restaurants or joggers working out on the street.
A week ago, a 33-year-old man was using his cellphone at a coffee shop on the corner of Lynnwood Road and King’s Highway in Lynnwood.
“An unknown man approached him and suddenly grabbed his cellphone,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“The suspect fled in a blue Hyundai.”
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Weilbach said the owner of the phone tried to chase after the vehicle on foot, but he was too late to catch up with them.
Shortly after the incident, three suspects were arrested by Brooklyn SAPS and security officers from CSI security company.
The trio, aged 26, 29 and 30, appeared in the Hatfield community court last week.
Weilbach said several cases were reported by pedestrians who were robbed of their cellphones while using them in public.
“Suspects are also targeting cellphone users while they are waiting for taxi services or while they are waiting for their order at a fast food outlet,” she said.
“Customers at restaurants with outside seating must also be vigilant not to leave their cellphones on the table or to use them in public.”
Weilbach said cellphone users listening to music, texting, talking or otherwise made themselves a prime target for criminals.
“All cellphone users are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to limit cellphone usage in public,” she said.
“Gangs are sometimes operating from vehicles to make a quick escape after they robbed a cellphone.”
Station commander Brigadier Kushie Pietersen said joint crime fighting initiatives between the police and private security companies were bearing fruit in making the policing precinct safer for all.
Communities are urged to play their role by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning the 10111 emergency-number or by using the My SAPS app. Communities are further urged to continue to comply with the disaster management act regulations.
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