Vehicle thieves around Gauteng target elderly females
The suspects are working in groups of three, targeting elderly female shoppers who don't suspect a thing until it's too late.
It's never a good time to let your guard down, but elderly female shoppers need to be especially vigilant. This group has become a growing target for vehicle thefts across Gauteng, particularly around Pretoria and the East Rand.
The Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB) has issued a warning about a disturbing new trend targeting elderly women while they shop.
According to Top Auto, "The suspects, typically operating in groups of three comprising one female and two males, use distraction tactics to steal car keys from these unsuspecting victims before making off with their vehicle from the parking area."
Footage reviewed by the ICB shows that the thieves specifically target elderly women who tend to leave their handbags and car keys in their shopping trolleys.
The criminals work together, using their trolleys to deliberately bump into the victims and create a distraction.
"While distracted, the female suspect or one of the male accomplices removes the car keys from the handbag or pickpockets the victim. The keys are quickly handed to a third suspect, who exits the shop and uses them to steal the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot," Top Auto reports.
The thieves' movements are quick and fluid, which is why many victims don’t realise what’s happening until it’s too late. Once the pickpocket has the keys and is out of sight, the rest of the suspects quietly walk away.
The ICB has urged that the public stay alert and warn elderly family members of this growing trend.
Female shoppers are encouraged to keep their handbags and car keys securely on their person, not in shopping trolleys.
If you notice groups operating together inside shopping malls, the ICB asks that you report it immediately to centre management or on-site security.
They also warn that crimes in and around shopping centres should never be taken lightly.
Incidents such as remote car jamming, cellphone snatching, and follow-home robberies happen daily, making it all the more important to stay alert while shopping.
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