The Florida Driver’s Licence and Testing Centre (DLTC) on Westlake Road has been a thorn in authorities’ and community members’ sides alike. The centre is notorious for the gangs of men who loiter at the entrance offering services and shortcuts to unsuspecting members of the public. Through confusion, distraction and lies these men make grand claims until their mark has been thoroughly fleeced.
The coronavirus health scare has given the ‘tauters’, as they are referred to by authorities, a new weapon to attack their marks with, using Covid regulations to justify the reason for offering services outside the gates of the centre. An alarming number of people have recently been conned out of large sums of money, feeding the greed of those hungry for a piece of the pie.
Management of the Florida DLTC are aware of the problem, and Florida Police have issued instructions to anyone who has a booking at the Florida DLTC. “There are no shortcuts to any process at the licensing centre. You can only obtain what you need by queuing and following the normal process. Do not take advice from any person except the staff members inside the centre,” stated Florida Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mpho More.
Both police and DLTC management stress that no staff of the centre are stationed outside, and under no circumstances are transactions conducted outside of the building. “People may approach you, some dressed in what seems to be a security uniform, offering to queue for you or speed up obtaining your licence. They then take your documents and money, and never return,” added Sergeant More.
Females and the elderly are their main targets, so vulnerable persons are asked to please be accompanied by someone who can help them navigate the aggressive men at the entrance. Photographs are also taken inside and the public are asked not to use the photographers outside the DLTC. “Be aware of the area around the caravans where photographs are taken, as several handbags and other items have been stolen from people in the vicinity,” advised Sergeant More.
Some have claimed that the service from the Florida Police had been sub-standard when reporting issues at the station. “With regard to the complaints about the police we do have a suggestion box in our service centre where they may rate our services. They can write their cellphone numbers and we will investigate, or they may ask to see the commanders if not satisfied with our service,” said Sergeant More. Report all criminal incidents or suspicious activity at the licensing centre to Florida Police on 071 675 7145/7146 or 011 831 7000.
