Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
On Sunday, 23 January 2022, while withdrawing cash from an ATM in Madadeni, two armed men robbed a guy of approximately R10 000. Thankfully, due to a joint operation, arrests were made. But after chatting with Imran Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighters Task Team, just how are these criminals operating and what are their tactics?
Hopefully, the following information will save you or a loved one from being a victim.
Ghafoor opens by explaining what you need to look out for. “Usually, there are a group of men who go around the ATMs and act as if they want to help someone. However, while distracting the person in their efforts “to help” people, they scan their victim’s PINs and steal the victim’s bank card.” Then you get the thieves who loiter around ATMs, watching who withdraws large sums of money. Once a victim is spotted, they pounce.
However, in the case mentioned above, a firearm was used, not a common practice, according to Ghafoor. While this is the first time perpetrators have resorted to using a gun in ages, he says, “they are most likely becoming desperate.”
Therefore, Ghafoor advises Newcastillians, “If you feel something suspicious, there are usually security guards around, go call them and notify them of the questionable individual. This ensures that perpetrators know they are being watched.”
On a lighter note, Ghafoor tells of an incident that did not work out well for ATM thieves after the community pulled together. “Not too long ago, some guys tried to pull off a job at Taxi City, and they got a big hiding from the community.”
Have you or a loved one been subjected to such a crime? Which ATM’s are the most nerve-racking for you to visit?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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