Police 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 of people being robbed of their belongings by criminals. “The modus operandi is that either the owner/driver reaches his/her vehicle or is already seated in the vehicle when a very well-spoken, polite, and well-mannered man appears and informs him/her that their vehicle has an oil leak, or that water is leaking from underneath the vehicle or that the car has a flat tyre,” said police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
“As soon as the victim gets out of the vehicle, another person will appear without being noticed, open the door, and grab the handbag, cellphone and other belongings in the vehicle.
“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,” said Colonel Naidu.
Most of the cases reported occurred at the shopping mall in Greenacres, at Pier 14 and in Govan Mbeki Avenue. However the suspects could be targeting other centres as well. Most of the victims were elderly people.
Police are advising shopping malls who have their own security patrolling their parking areas as well as well-established car guards to be alert to people aimlessly roaming between cars.
“These people must be approached with caution and questioned. If in doubt, contact the police immediately.
“Shoppers are also urged not to entertain anyone who approaches them with these allegations or any other disturbing information about their vehicles, but instead walk away from their vehicles and report them to the centre’s security or attract the attention of other shoppers,” said Colonel Naidu.
