Protect yourself – don’t become a victim of crime

Everyone is urged to be more vigilant, especially when withdrawing money at ATMs. Don’t accept assistance from anyone who appears to be eager to help – criminals will try distract you and, in the process, either observe you entering your PIN code or alternatively take your card.

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Before withdrawing cash from the ATM, press the cancel button to void any instructions entered by criminals before your turn. Familiarise yourself with the ATMs you use and be aware of extra hardware that has been added and which is not ordinarily part of the feature. Having drawn your money, ensure that you have your own card, your receipt and your cash.

Motor vehicles

“There appears to be an increase in the number of opportunists waiting to break into motor vehicles or steal goods from inside motor vehicles. Do not leave valuables in vehicles or at least ensure that they are kept out of sight,” said police spokesman,  Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.

Sim swapping

A scamster will contact you posing as an employee from a cellphone service provider, stating that someone is trying to do a SIM swap using your number. They will then ask for your PIN. Once you have provided the caller with the information and followed the instructions given, the caller will then block your cellphone, and you will be unable to make or receive calls. The criminal will then have access your banking details and can make transfers as though it is you online with your bank.

Stock theft

Opportunists are stealing stock, goats and chickens in the rural areas. The problems experienced in investigating stock theft are compounded by the lack of accurate descriptions of the animal or poultry. The community is encouraged to brand, mark or be able to describe identifying features and colour configurations of their stock or poultry.

Other crime

When reporting incidents between an employer and employee,  the complainant is urged to make sure they have the correct particulars of the employer or employee, along with a copy of their identity card or book. Failure to do so could hamper the investigation.

Also, when lodging their complaint, being able to provide the ID number and physical address of the person against whom you are laying the complaint will assist in police being able to provide a more efficient service.

“We take all lodged cases seriously. Please do not withdraw your complaint in court. Investigators work hard to get the desired results, and withdrawing the case at the last moment results in wasting physical and human resources and fruitless financial expenditure,”  said Lt-Col Wiid.

In the case of missing persons, should that  person be found, please be sure to report this at the station where the report was made.

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