Brazen criminals target Richards Bay petrol stations in late-night raids

PETROL stations and 24-hour convenience stores are to take extra safety precautions after a number of robberies in recent weeks.

This was the warning from Richards Bay SAPS after three local petrol stations were raided in the last three weeks.

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SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Ferreira said the spate of robberies occurred in the early hours of the morning, targeting service stations in Alton, Brackenham and Veldenvlei.

She said businesses across the region should be aware of the robbers’ modus operandi.

Last year, a similar trend surfaced, and police are raising the alarm again and urging local businesses to be alert.

“During an incident in Brackenham last Monday, it is believed two suspects approached the petrol attendants from different directions, drew firearms and instructed the attendants to go inside the store and hand over cash and a cellphone,” said Ferreira.

“In the other incidents, suspects entered the premises in the early hours of the morning, pretending to be customers and demanded cash, cigarettes and other items.

“We urge staff members to be alert and watch for suspicious activity. Where possible, take all necessary precautions, especially late at night and in the early hours of the morning,” she said.

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