‘Distracted’ children are targets for criminals
“Almost 99 percent of kids that got robbed whilst walking in the streets, had their earphones on.”
Police and CPF in the north of Pretoria warned that “distracted” children were easy targets for criminals on the streets.
“Almost 99% of kids that got robbed while walking in the streets, had their earphones on,” said a member of the Akasia CPF Tienie Vorster.
During a community meeting last Sunday, Vorster said there were many cases where children, especially teenagers, were robbed of their cellphones.
“We had a case just last week,” Vorster said.
“Although there are fewer cases now than before lockdown, it still remains a problem.”
Sinoville police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk, agreed saying children were much less vigilant when walking outside with their cellphones.
“They are either texting or listening to music, which means their focus is diverted from what is going on around them – and that’s dangerous,” said Van Dyk.
“Kids usually also have the latest and most expensive cellphones, which makes them a very big target for criminals.”
Vorster said cellphone thieves were not always the “obvious suspects” either.
“These cellphone thieves drive around in expensive cars, so you wouldn’t even suspect them of trying to steal your cellphone until it is too late.”
Van Dyk said suspect thieves would often sneak up behind the “distracted” child or teenager to grab their phones.
“We’ve had cases where the kids were assaulted or even threatened with guns and knives.”
Van Dyk advised children never to walk alone and not to approach strangers or vehicles.
“If a stranger stops to ask for directions, do not approach the vehicle – ignore them and walk on faster,” said Van Dyk.
“I find that kids often want to help and it goes against us parents’ teaching to be helpful and kind to others, but kids must never trust and talk to strangers.”
Van Dyk also urged parents and community members to report thefts.
“Don’t think ‘it’s just a cellphone, I don’t need to report it. Every crime no matter how small should be reported to the police so that we can know where the hotspot crime areas are.”
People can also report crimes to: 08600-10111.
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