Police warn courier companies to be vigilant when delivering in the north
"As they arrive at the location with a view to delivering the goods, criminals pounce on these unsuspecting delivery personnel."
Rietgat police have warned courier and delivery services personnel to be vigilant when doing their rounds in the area.
The warning came after an escalation of armed robbery and hijacking cases emanating from the delivery of goods and products in the vicinity.
“People becoming more techno-savvy and opting for online shopping also helps reduce numbers at shopping malls, but now creates a market for criminals to take advantage of courier companies.”
Maluleka said they have opened several robbery, car-jacking/truck-jacking cases, most of them stemming from the delivery of goods in the township.
He said according to victims, perpetrators legitimately placed orders of a range of products, including but not limited to cellphones, beauty products and other household items.
“They further send their location via cellphone to an isolated area different from the address on the order. As they arrive at the location with a view to delivering the goods, criminals pounce on these unsuspecting delivery personnel, rob them of their products and at worst hijack, kidnap or brutally assault them.
“The police are calling on service providers to inform us before deliveries to deploy sector vehicles to ensure the safety of the personnel and the products they are delivering.
“As a precautionary measure, the Rietgat police station would also like to implore courier companies to consider having their products collected by their customers at designated pick-up points to help curb this scourge,” Maluleka said.
“Victims of car or truck hijackings are further urged to work closely with the police and have confidence in them, especially where their vehicles are impounded. Police are better placed to offer advice and recover vehicles without asking for a single cent.”
Maluleka said the station would also like to warn the public to avoid buying and paying for things from dodgy online sellers especially motor vehicles where “sellers” asked potential buyers to meet at taverns and dilapidated buildings in the township.
“If a seller gives you an offer that is too good to be true, that is a red flag. You should avoid such offers because in most cases it results in complaints of buyers being conned.”
Station commander Colonel Stephina Nkosi warned perpetrators that police have doubled their efforts to work around the clock to close the net on these crimes.
Anyone who witnesses any criminal activity in their surroundings or neighbourhood should contact the police on Crime Stop number 08600-10111 or My SAPS App Rietgat SAPS 012-432-7806.
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