The media statement read, “Street robberies remain opportunistic crimes that can only be reduced through a combined effort of the community and the SAPS. Every person, no matter where s/he is, must be aware of crime risks and should assume responsibility for their own safety and the security of their belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions.”
The statement explained that although women are advised from a young age not to walk about alone, especially at night, men often have a false sense of security and feel less vulnerable than women out on the streets. “Men must know that they can also fall victim to crimes such as street robberies,” it said.
On 7 February, three street robberies were reported in Hatfield. At 06:00, a 21-year-old man was robbed of his textbooks and laptop while walking on the corners of Park and Grosvenor Streets. At 16:00, a 21-year-old woman was robbed of her cell phone while walking on the corners of Roper and Lynnwood Streets. The last incident occurred at 19:00 when an 18-year-old man was robbed of his laptop and cell phone after two men approached him at the corners of Burnett Street and University Road.
Illusration: Rhodeen Davies
