Suspects using pepper spray to snatch cellphones in Hatfield
Pepper spray phone snatchers, ‘stone bandit’ scams and sports campus thefts prompt renewed safety warnings.
The Hatfield City Improvement District (CID) has issued an urgent safety warning to University of Pretoria (UP) students following a string of cellphone grab-and-runs and opportunistic thefts in the precinct.
Hatfield CID provides safety, security and urban management services to the Hatfield Campus Village.
Manager of Safety and Security Deon van Rensburg said two thefts have already been reported in the area, with suspects using pepper spray to disorientate victims before fleeing in a getaway vehicle.
“We’ve already had two cellphone grabbings in the Hatfield precinct. The suspects are pepper-spraying victims so that they cannot identify them, taking the phone, jumping into a vehicle and escaping the scene,” he said.
Van Rensburg urged students, not only first years, to avoid walking alone at night, as all reported incidents occurred late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
“Walk with your friends. All the safety briefs we give you are to explain exactly that – don’t walk alone. Keep yourself safe,” he said.
The CID has also warned students about the return of so-called ‘stone bandits’, scammers who approach students and attempt to exchange shiny stones for cellphones.
“When you get approached and offered a stone, even if it’s shiny, for your phone, look around you and get the closest officer on our streets to assist you.”
Students are advised not to swap their phone for a stone, because it’s a scam.
He added that thefts have been reported at the Sports Campus, where students are leaving valuables unattended during activities.
“Please make sure that when you enjoy your activity, you at least come back and find your goods where you left them. Don’t leave them lying around. If your goods are not locked away, someone will carry them away.”
Hatfield CID said social upliftment and community engagement remain central to its mission of building a world-class suburb.
“Enjoy Hatfield and see you on our streets. Be safe,” Van Rensburg added.
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