PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - An increase in fraud cases, especially relating to online purchases, has prompted a local neighbourhood watch group to caution residents to be vigilant.
Lisa Nagel of Plett.Watch said police has been experiencing an increase in the number of fraud cases, especially when online purchases are made from private individuals without doing the necessary checks.
Local police confirmed that they currently have several dockets for this type of fraud.
"These cases are extremely difficult to solve," Nagel said.
"Please do proper research and verification of bank accounts before paying over any money to someone you do not know. Do not purchase an item, animal or furniture, or pay a rental deposit without physically going to inspect what you are paying for."
Nagel said people are losing thousands thinking they are getting a bargain. "The criminals that are advertising are very shrewd and know how to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. Do your homework well and do not become a statistic. Verify everything."
Property crime
She said a recent report back meeting among crime fighters in Bitou also revealed that property crime is increasing in Plett. "We need to be extra vigilant and cautious."
She urged those who do not have alarm systems, to consider acquiring one. "If you do have an alarm, make sure you know how it works, and regularly test it to make sure there are no problems. Batteries run flat, systems fail, passives stop working - these are all issues that can be sorted out by your service provider."
She also urged residents to get their systems set into zones so that they can activate areas that may be vulnerable when in another area of their house. "Ensure that all windows and doors are burglar barred or security gated. Always keep your panic button close at hand."
Local police said most house thefts were as a result of windows and doors being forced open.
"Do not leave valuables near open windows, or where they can be seen through a window. Close your curtains as soon as the sun sets. Park your vehicles in your garage or behind a locked gate. Make sure no valuables, remotes or keys to your house are left in your car. Listen for any suspicious noises and report them. Report any strange activity or movement in your area."
Loitering
Local neighbourhood watch volunteers had also noticed an increase in people wandering around in the streets through the day.
"The unfortunate truth of the matter is that people have a constitutional right to freedom of movement, and therefore can not just be removed from the area because we don't like the look of them," Nagel said.
"We need to be extra vigilant and make our neighbours aware of any movement so that they can be vigilant as well. If we are all aware of what is happening around us, it will go a long way to preventing these opportunistic criminals from succeeding."
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