BETHAL – Pickpocketing is rife in Bethal.
Several cases have been reported and the police warn locals to be vigilant.
Const Thomas Mogadime, police spokesman, said pickpocketing is a form of larceny that involves the stealing of money or other valuables from the person or a victim’s pocket without them noticing the theft at the time.
It may involve considerable dexterity and a knack for misdirection. A thief who works in this manner is known as a pickpocket.
Const Mogadime said the suspects are mostly found at the busy retailers where they know that most people have money and they find it easy to get their targets.
He said, recently a woman was in a shop for her groceries and as she was moving from isle to isle, she was pickpocketed inside shop.
She only realised it when she was about to pay for the items and that her purse was missing.
“It’s a light, fluttering motion of which the victim would not even be aware,” explained Const Mogadime.
He said another trend that has been reported to the police is where suspects will drop money and when you pick it up, they will claim to have seen you pick it up and will then convince you to share the bait.
They would ask their victims to go to a safer place to share the money, but once they reach this so-called safe place, they rob the victim.
“As we are almost in the festive season, criminals will be all over the area looking for their targets. We urge everyone to be vigilant at all time.
“We encourage the community to be cautious in order to avoid being pickpocketed.”
The following tips can be used to avoid being pickpocketed.
– Beware of distraction themes – Be vigilant of elaborate stunts such as staged arguments or people asking for directions to distract you.
– Stay safe while dining – avoid leaving your belongings on the table at restaurants.
– Zip it – Always keep your bags and purses zipped when in crowded environments.
– Avoid having large amount of money in your bag or wallet. Use your bank card to pay for your groceries.
– Common sense and distance are your best defences. Stay vigilant for distraction techniques and be aware of anyone getting too close.
– If you carry large amounts of cash, use a money belt or divide it between several pockets.
– Carry your handbag in front of you with the flap against your body.
– Try not to stand near doors on a bus or train. These are prime spots for pickpockets, because they can get away quickly.
– Avoid visibly handling your wallet or purse.
– In crowded places, don’t wear your backpack – always carry it in front of you.
– If in a cafe or restaurant, don’t hang valuables on the back of your chair. Ideally, put a chair leg or your foot through the strap.
– The police request that if you see someone being pickpocketed, to immediate alert them.
– To report any form of crime or suspicious criminal activity, contact Bethal Police Station at 017 647 9929/30.
