New Crime Trend in Newcastle: Warning Issued to Motorists Regarding Street Vendors

The festive season is officially within sight, and Newcastillians are busy preparing for the holidays. However, amid the festive excitement, a troubling new crime trend is making its way into Newcastle, one that seems to coincide with the holiday period.

Street vendors can be seen at numerous intersections across Newcastle, offering a wide range of goods, from children’s toys to fresh fruits, with many residents drawn to these vendors due to their attractive prices and convenience.

However, the Newcastle Crime Policing Forum (CPF) has issued a warning to residents, urging them to be cautious when interacting with these individuals. There have been reports of vendors attempting to convince motorists to roll down their windows or pull over to the side of the road. Once motorists comply, they are then targeted and robbed.

This warning comes after a recent incident at the Victoria Road and Allen Street intersection, where a female motorist was targeted by a vendor. Opting to remain anonymous, the woman’s husband recounted the event. He explained that his wife had stopped at the intersection when a man approached her car, trying to sell avocados. “He came to the car and tried to convince my wife to roll her window down, which she did not do. Then, the man started telling my wife that there was damage to the car, and she needed to pull over immediately. She did not feel comfortable and did not feel safe, so she drove away and stopped at a nearby garage,” the husband explained. When they checked the car at the garage, they found no damage at all.

Furthermore, this is not an isolated incident, as the Newcastle CPF’s Talha Randeree stressed that several residents have reached out to the organisation to share similar experiences. Randeree highlighted that it was due to the influx of calls from residents that the CPF has now called on the community to remain vigilant as this crime trend spreads through Newcastle.

He provided further insight, explaining, “Residents have noted the vendors are becoming more aggressive and are trying to get community members to either open their windows to force goods into the vehicle before demanding even more money, or they will try to steal an item from the motorist. Also, certain vendors will tell motorists there is something wrong with their car in an attempt to get the motorist to pull over,” Randeree explained.

While Randeree made it clear that not all street vendors are involved in these activities, he acknowledged that a few bad apples are exploiting the busy holiday season to commit this developing trend. Additionally, he also underscored the importance of vigilance for all residents when stopping at intersections, especially where vendors are present.

Moreover, Amajuba District SAPS Spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Langa, provided practical advice for motorists. She explained that it is crucial not to open car windows or pull over when told there is something wrong with the vehicle. “As you do not know their true intentions and for community safety, it is better to not open car windows to strangers or pull over. Rather, drive to a safe place and check your car there,” Langa advised.

Constable Langa also urged motorists to stay cautious at intersections and reassured the public that the South African Police Service would not let this issue go unresolved.

“The police will be working with the Newcastle Municipality where we will be focusing on these individuals, as to create a safer environment for residents,” she stated.

With this new crime trend on the rise, what are your thoughts on this issue? Share your views in the comment section below.