Street robberies on the increase

Street robberies are on the increase on Beyers Naudé Drive in Zandspruit. According to Honeydew police spokesperson Warrant officer Karen Jacobs these robberies take place between Johan and Peter roads, next to Zandspruit informal settlement. She said, “Most of the incidents occur between 8pm and 12pm; three suspects with firearms have been involved during all of these robberies.”

When speaking about women, Jacobs advises the following:

• Try not to walk in remote places.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• If people start milling around you beware, it could be a set-up for a robbery.
• Never overload yourself with parcels, it makes you a target.
• Carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body. Don’t carry it hanging over one shoulder.
• Never carry large sums of money.
• If you are out at night, stick to well-lit areas. Also try to go out in groups.
• Carry your wallet and cell phone in an inside or front pocket (out of sight).
• Know the area that you are in. Make sure of the location of restaurants or stores that stay open late as well as public telephones. Avoid taking short cuts.
• Avoid going out unnecessarily after hours.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Jacobs concluded that if people are ever in fear of being robbed they should immediately call the toll free 10111 number and report the incident to the closest police station.