As the winter season marches on, Pretoria West police are urging residents to be continuously on their guard as darkness approaches more quickly, and criminals are on the prowl for unsuspecting victims.

Residents should avoid walking home or to shops alone in streets where there are no streetlights.

Those walking from WF Nkomo Street to Danville via Transoranje Road must ask their families to come collect them or walk them back home.

Police pointed out that this area is a crime hotspot.

Spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma said street robberies tend to occur around 17:00–20:00.

“Students from TUT, especially, must be extra careful when walking on Staatsartillerie Road and Vom Hagen Street and avoid using the cemetery site as a shortcut,” Vuma said.

Vuma advised residents to be alert on Transoranje Road, the bridge at the nearby clinic, the Strachan Street bridge and at Ashley Street, Danville.

“Please be extra vigilant when walking around those streets. The community must know the police are aware of the challenges and are trying their level best to patrol for visibility.”

She called upon residents to be united and take part and form part of patrollers or community forums to help initiate plans to fight crime in the community.

Residents are also reminded that it’s crucial to report all crimes and not to take it lightly and to decide not to report a crime.

“Reporting helps the police in deploying and knowing which areas require their attention.”

She urged residents not to take the law into their own hands and warned that they would face criminal charges if they did.

Vuma also warned motorists to beware of another crime trend.

“Be on the lookout for bogus police officials who go around stopping motorists, claiming vehicles are suspicious or involved in crimes and require verification.

She advised motorists to stop at the nearest police station or garage where there are people around.

“Know that should it be a vehicle that is hijacked or stolen, no police officer can call and claim the vehicle is recovered and request any form of payment for the release of your vehicle, for towing fees or send money through money market or any bank account,” Vuma concluded.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel