Pick-pocketing rife in CBD
It is very easy for criminals to grab these gadgets and disappear. It takes just a few seconds.
Pretoria Central police have pleaded with students to be vigilant at all times, especially when walking in the streets.
With educational institutions opening, we have registered a slight increase in crimes such as pick-pocketing and theft out of motor vehicles, Pretoria Central police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.
“Criminals are capitalising on the negligence of people who keep phones and valuable items in backpacks that are not properly closed, easy to open and easy to grab without notice. In some instances, victims are unable to provide clear descriptions of the suspects,” she said.
“During routine operations, police find young people sitting in areas where there is access to WiFi. These young people line up and sit down using their gadgets (cellphones and laptops) with no vigilance. It is very easy for criminals to grab these gadgets and disappear. It takes just a few seconds.”
Selepe also warned the public to be cautious and vigilant of the increasing number of online higher learning institutions.
“These bogus institutions websites look legit, but they don’t have offices for walk-ins. Members of the public must be careful when prescribing or registering to such institutions. Parents and students need to be aware of the private institutions and higher education training colleges that are not accredited and, therefore, qualifications issued by such institutions are worthless.”
The public is encouraged to verify the authenticity of the institutions with the Department of Higher Education before registering or call them by using a toll-free centre line 0800-872-222.
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