POLICE in Nelson Mandela Bay are warning shoppers and motorists, especially the elderly, to be vigilant and take note of their surroundings when returning to their vehicles after shopping.
This alert arises from several reports received by police of people being robbed of their belongings by criminals, after going shopping.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that the modus operandi is that either the driver reaches his/her vehicle or is already seated in the vehicle when a very well-spoken and polite man appears and informs the driver that their vehicle has an oil leak, that water is leaking from underneath the vehicle or that the car has a flat tyre.
“As soon as the victim gets out the vehicle, another person will appear without being noticed, open the door and grab the handbag, cellphone and other belongings in the vehicle,” Naidu explained.
“Alternatively, if the victim is still outside the vehicle, the suspect will advise that he/she places their belongings on the ground so that they can bend to see the ‘oil or water leak’. The personal belongings and parcels are then snapped away by the second suspect. Both suspects then disappear,” she added.
Most of the cases reported occurred at Greenacres Shopping Centre, at Pier 14 and in Govan Mbeki Avenue but police have warned that the suspects could be targeting other centres as well.
The majority of the victims are elderly people. “Police are advising shopping malls that have their own security patrolling their parking areas, as well as well-established car guards, to be alert for people aimlessly roaming between cars.
“These people must be approached with caution and questioned.
“If in doubt, contact the police immediately,” Naidu said.
“Shoppers are also urged not to entertain anyone who approaches them with these allegations or any other disturbing information about their vehicles. They should instead walk away from their vehicles and report them to the centre’s security or attract the attention of other shoppers.”
– ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
