Criminals now targeting residents going out to receive food orders
“Criminals mostly targeted customers in private complexes where they are required to open the gates and exit the premises.”
Police warned residents to be vigilant when picking up their food deliveries.
CCTV footage has been circulating on social media, showing a woman in Hatfield being robbed while collecting her delivery.
This happened in Hatfield, Pretoria. Please be vigilant when collecting food from uber/Mr Delivery. 😭 pic.twitter.com/Qi4D5PrsDq
— @NubianStan 👑 (@SihleStan231) March 20, 2023
In the video, a man approaches her from behind and tries grabbing her phone before running back to a white car, which then drives off.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said residents must try and collect their deliveries behind closed gates.
“They must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when waiting for their deliveries and, if they feel uncomfortable or sense danger, they should walk away from the situation,” said Van Dyk.
Bull Security operations manager French Jooste said they have noticed that criminals mostly target customers in private complexes where they are required to open the gates and exit the premises.
“These robbers follow the driver into the complex, one will keep the gate open and the other will enter with a vehicle, once the driver is inside the robbery will take place.
Delivery drivers and their clients should be extra vigilant as robberies are becoming more commonplace.
“We urge our clients to keep their remote panic buttons with them when fetching deliveries outside of their homes and places of work. Check your surroundings before you exit your place of safety,” Jooste added.
He highlighted that it is safer to receive goods through a closed gate.
“If it is not necessary to open the gate, then don’t.”
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