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Police in Nelson Mandela Bay 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.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu warns that the modus operandi involves the shopper being distracted by a very well-spoken, polite and well-mannered man who appears and informs them of either an oil leak or water leak to their vehicle.
While the target is inspecting their vehicle, the perpetrator and an accomplice strike, grabbing and fleeing with personal valuables including wallets, cellphones and handbags, and often shopping bags as well.
Colonel Naidu says the suspects have been targetting shopping malls and centres across the Metro and that the majority of the victims are elderly people.
She says police are also advising shopping malls that have their own security patrolling their parking areas, as well as well-established car guards, to be alert of people aimlessly roaming between cars, and if in doubt to contact SAPS immediately.
Shoppers are encouraged NOT to entertain total strangers who suddenly appear with disturbing allegations of faults to their vehicles.
