As students return to the University of Pretoria (UP) for the new semester, the Hatfield City Improvement District (CID) is urging them to remain vigilant amid a rise in street scams and theft under false pretences.

Hatfield CID operations manager Deon van Rensburg said scammers are actively targeting students as they arrive back on campus with valuable belongings.

“If I can give you one word of advice, please don’t hand your cellphone or bank card to anyone who approaches you on the street with a fantastic offer.”

According to Van Rensburg, recent incidents involve criminals posing as pastors, prophets or other authority figures to gain students’ trust before stealing phones, laptops and other valuables.

These suspects often use distraction techniques, persuasive conversations or fake religious rituals to convince victims to hand over their belongings.

He warned students never to hand over their cellphone, laptop, bag or bank card to anyone they do not know or trust, regardless of how convincing the story may sound.

“Students are also encouraged to keep valuables with them or locked in a secure place and never leave devices unattended in public spaces,” he said.

Van Rensburg advised students to secure their electronic devices by using pass codes, biometric locks and location-tracking features such as Find My iPhone or Find My Device.

He also recommended regularly backing up important information and enabling remote wipe functions in case a device is stolen.

“If someone approaches you with religious or persuasive claims, politely decline and move to a public or well-lit area,” he said.

Van Rensburg further encouraged students to remain aware of their surroundings by avoiding walking while talking on their phones, particularly in busy streets around Hatfield.

Students travelling after dark should walk in groups whenever possible and are encouraged to ask any Hatfield CID or Omega security officer to accompany them if they feel unsafe.

He also warned against getting into a stranger’s vehicle, handing over a bank card and PIN to anyone, using a cellphone as surety for a street transaction or swapping a phone for supposedly valuable stones or other items.

“Residents and students are advised not to stop for street sales pitches or offers that appear too good to be true.”

Van Rensburg said that if approached by strangers asking for assistance, the CID recommends directing them to Brooklyn SAPS rather than engaging with them on the street.

The Hatfield CID said staying alert, trusting your instincts and reporting suspicious behaviour to security officers or police can help prevent opportunistic crime and keep the area safer for everyone.

ALSO READ: Eersterust community demand action before election

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