Local News
Escalating cellphone robberies a worry─── 12:11 Wed, 17 Sep 2014
Welkom - The dramatic escalation in the number of cellphone robberies in Thabong near Welkom over the past several months is worrying police management.
Free State police spokesperson, Malebo Khosana, says students are usually the primary targets. He says in most cases, the robbers carry backpacks while committing the crimes, to create the impression that they are students themselves.
Most of these cases take place near the Central University of Technology campus, as well as in the vicinity of the Bongani Hospital and in taxi’s.
Khosana says, however, they have noticed that many of these cases are falsely reported, with the intention to make fraudulent insurance claims.
He says they have up until now been lenient with those reporting false cases, but warned that complainants would be charged with perjury in future for reporting false cases.
They have provided some valuable tips for cellphone users:
• Keep details: Make a record of all your phone information and keep it in a safe place. Include the following:
• Your phone number
• The make and model
• Colour and appearance details
• The Pin or security lock code
• The IMEI number
• Use the security lock code to lock your phone
• Have your phone number disabled in addition to reporting it stolen
• File a police report immediately
• Install anti phone theft software
• Never let the phone get out of your sight
He says they have up until now been lenient with those reporting false cases, but warned that complainants would be charged with perjury in future for reporting false cases.
They have provided some valuable tips for cellphone users:
• Keep details: Make a record of all your phone information and keep it in a safe place. Include the following:
• Your phone number
• The make and model
• Colour and appearance details
• The Pin or security lock code
• The IMEI number
• Use the security lock code to lock your phone
• Have your phone number disabled in addition to reporting it stolen
• File a police report immediately
• Install anti phone theft software
• Never let the phone get out of your sight
Duane Petrus/OFM News
Malebo Khosana:
