Sunnyside police talk safety at student residences
Police say muggers primarily target cell phones in street robberies.
Following a recent spike in muggings in the inner city, Sunnyside SAPS decided to take their safety awareness campaign to local student residences.
They visited Urban Nest and Eastwood Village student accommodation on March 8.
“Prevention is better than cure, that was the core of the message delivered to students,” said police spokesperson, Captain Daniel Mavimbela.
Police said muggers primarily target cell phones in street robberies.
“We discourage students from using their cellphones and headphones in public – behaviour which attracts criminals to potential victims,” Mavimbela continued.
Students based at the Respublica Arcadia residence were also advised to tell visitors to park in secure parking areas to avoid falling victim to hijackings or thefts from vehicles.
The police furthermore informed students about the prevalence of “false prophets” in the inner city who prey on especially unsuspecting young students.
“These criminals somehow convince victims to hand over valuables, mainly laptops, cash and cellphones. Victims are made to believe that a ritual that requires among others, milk, water and salt would generate better luck and break curses and spells from the victim. When victims emerge from supermarkets with the ingredients at hand, the false prophet is gone with the loot,” Mavimbela said.
The students were also urged to report any suspicious persons, vehicles and groups to the authorities.
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