{"id":47059,"date":"2024-03-27T10:55:47","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T08:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/muggings-spike-in-lagoon-area-20240326-2\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T00:32:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T22:32:43","slug":"muggings-spike-in-lagoon-area-20240326-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/muggings-spike-in-lagoon-area-20240326-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Muggings spike in Milnerton Lagoon area"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Muggings and attempted muggings seem to be on the rise, the Milnerton Crime Watch Trust has reported<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This number is especially high in the Milnerton Lagoon area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent incident, last Friday (23 May) a suspect used pepper spray close to the big palms on the path by the lagoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TygerBurger<\/span> reported last week (\u201cCops raise alarm\u201d, 20 March) about a sharp increase in beachgoers leaving their belongings unattended, raising significant concerns for property safety and security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hot spot beaches include Melkbosstrand, Bloubergstrand and Milnerton Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A number of missing cellphones, car keys, surfing gear and clothes were reported stolen at these popular destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Milnerton Crime Watch Trust, the suspect is approximately 1,7 m tall and wore a hoody, backpack and dark green tights under running shorts. He pretends to be exercising and waits for the victim to walk or jog past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victimised <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the victims of a mugging, who wishes to remain anonymous, told TygerBurger <\/span>she usually jogs at the Milnerton Lagoon every morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis was the start to my day. I never went without a jog (at the lagoon),\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, now she has to drive to a different spot to jog after she was robbed of her cell phone and car keys two weeks ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI always thought the Milnerton Lagoon was a safe place to jog. Nothing happened to me in the past and I never saw anyone suspicious,\u201d she says, adding that she has jogged at the lagoon for the past 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She says it felt like her heart stopped for a few seconds when the robber grabbed her jogging bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI felt ice cold. I could not move. I can\u2019t even identify the robber because he came up behind me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, a beachgoer saw the robbery and ran to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe was long gone before I snapped out of my daze. A friendly gentleman assisted me and I called my husband,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reported the robbery to the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Milnerton Crime Watch Trust urged beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious persons or activity to the patrolman or law enforcement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to keep safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before heading out for a jog, tell someone where you are going. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe live in a digitally connected world that has made it easy to inform someone of your whereabouts, so let your family, a friend or even your next-door neighbour know that you have stepped out for a jog. Also, give them details of your planned route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most joggers prefer to play their favourite tunes to keep them motivated while they jog. This could, however, have dangerous consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n