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South Africans have been urged to be extra vigilant when socialising at restaurants or pubs as there has been a notable increase in criminals targeting patrons, especially during sports matches.

Fidelity ADT says these robbers are going for the patrons themselves, taking their smartphones and wallets, while also targeting their cars and even their homes when they are out.

According to Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications, a number of these incidents have been reported across the Fidelity ADT footprint in recent months, per BusinessTech.

“In our experience, criminals will take an opportunity when they see one. In the last week, there were 15 reported incidents alone. The reports included cell phone snatchings, stolen motor vehicles at public establishments, and break-ins at residential properties while the victims were out,” she said.

The suspects spot an opportunity and act fast, in and out within minutes, grabbing cash from the register or snatching cellphones, wallets, and more from people having a good time.

Hattingh said a wave of these reports is happening across various parts of Gauteng.

Much like Fidelity ADT’s experience, the SAPS noted that South Africans living in the country’s most populated province (Gauteng) are the most vulnerable to these crimes, followed by the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

South Africa has seen a year-on-year rise in robberies and hijackings, with some provinces experiencing a bigger spike in these crimes than others.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) latest quarterly crime states show that cases of ‘other serious crimes’ have increased by 2.7% in South Africa, which includes commercial crime, shoplifting, and other types of theft.

Commercial crime has increased by a whopping 17.3%, while shoplifting has risen by 4.8%. Additionally, hijackings have increased by 6.5% year-on-year, which equates to around 66 stolen cars a day.

There’s also been an increased trend for both break-ins and robberies:

Burglaries at residential premises decreased by 4.4% year-on-year. However, compared to the second quarter of 2023, they increased by 6.8%.

Although robberies with aggravated circumstances at houses increased by only 1.7% year over year, they were up almost 5.2% from the second quarter.

While patrons are being asked to watch their backs, the establishments are also urged to be vigilant, ensure their CCTV is working, and remain eagle-eyed for any suspicious activity.

[source:businesstech]