Beware ‘winter robberies’, cops warn
"The sun rises late and it gets dark very early so it becomes easy for the criminals to rob people."
With the sun setting sooner in the evenings, police in the north of Pretoria have warned residents against falling victim to “winter robberies”.
“During the winter months, criminals target people who walk alone from work in the evening or early in the mornings,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Herman Moremi.
“The criminals usually target people who walk alone and use shortcuts.”
He said many such robberies were reported at police stations in Hammanskraal, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Akasia, Rietgat and Temba.
Dan Selepe, a Mabopane business owner, said many of the people who use the local train station as a shortcut to either go to Mabopane or Soshangave fall victim to muggings.
“The sun rises late and it gets dark very early so it becomes easy for criminals to rob people.
“I close my shop early in winter because I do not want to be a victim myself.
“I feel sorry for the residents because this is the only path you can use to get to either side of the station on foot. There is no other choice but to use the station.”
Resident Ntsako Chauke said he has fallen victim twice to robbers at the Mabopane train station this time of the year.
“They took my cellphone and wallet on both occasions. I do not have any other choice but to use this route because I have to go to work.
He said police visibility could help reduce the number of robberies.
Tips by police on how to avoid being a victim of winter robberies:
– Never walk alone during the night or in the early hours of the morning.
– Do not use dark roads or shortcuts. You might be attacked and killed without getting any help on time.
– Always wait for others and go in groups to bus stops or when going home.
– Avoid using the same route regularly because it will be easy for criminals to target you.
– Check your surroundings before entering or leaving your place because criminals are always hiding in dark spots waiting to attack.
– Don’t keep valuable items in your possession and don’t display your wallet in public places because it attracts criminals.
– Don’t ask for directions from strangers, especially around train stations. They can lead you to where they can easily attack you.
– Avoid lifts from strangers.
– Always tell someone where you are going and even when you arrive. This can help them notice if something has happened to you.
– Make sure you know the place where you are going to avoid getting lost.
– Don’t allow someone to walk behind you during the night. It might be an attacker waiting for the right time to strike. Immediately change direction and if he follows you, then start looking for help.
– Always know these emergency numbers: 08600 10111 or 112.
The police also encouraged the community to form street patrols.
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