20 Dec 2016

A police officer has cautioned the churches and public of emerging trends of theft.

Assistant Superintendent   Mogomotsi Matlapeng urged churches to desist from keeping money in church buildings since thieves targeted such places.

Similarly, Mr Matlapeng implored the public to be extra vigilant with their belongings at bus bays, when boarding or alighting public transport.  

In an interview, Assistant Superintendent   Matlapeng said cases of stealing from persons or street robbery seemed to be increasing with new trends emerging.

He said nothing valuable should be left lying visible in the vehicle since it could attract thieves.

Assistant Superintendent   Matlapeng Matlapeng also suggested that churches must take heed of the awkwardly late times when they disperse from church.

They must ensure that their safety remained a priority.

“The perpetrators no longer just snatch and run, instead they target and attack combis. They masquerade as customers boarding when in actual fact they are pursuing a mission to rob innocent people of their hard earned belongings”.

He warned the public to be on the lookout for such criminals.

Assistant Superintendent   Matlapeng confirmed that the police are aware that in some instances the public doesn’t rescue victims when they are attacked.

He explained that the strategy must be applied when the rescuer realizes that their lives may be in danger, if not so, they must assist by informing the police.

“The most important thing to be safe is to surrender the goods to save your life.

Also take the description of the perpetrator so as to assist the police on the investigations” He added.

Assistant Superintendent  Matlapeng also advised the public to scan their surroundings carefully for any suspicious persons or acts and inform the police of such.

He pointed out that people must keep their belongings safely in public transport, particularly where it would not be easy for thieves to reach them such as by their legs and not their laps.

He also warned against the use of cellphones where unnecessary and in dangerous zones.

In line with the 60 days of action campaign, Assistant Superintendent   Matlapeng affirmed that they have increased the officers on the ground especially in areas that are considered ‘hot spots’.

He said they are also hosting public awareness campaigns, educating the public about road safety and further emphasised that they go around churches educating them on safety tips. ENDS