Caught on camera
2007-05-10
A SYNDICATE consisting of four females has been targeting unsuspecting visitors to Paarl Mall.
Last week a woman’s handbag which contained R2000 in cash was lifted from her shopping trolley without her noticing.
Once the theft had been reported, footage from the security cameras showed how the thieves had planned to strike.
Images show clearly how four females, ranging between the ages of 12 and 35, wander around a clothing shop in Paarl Mall.
Although at first glance they seemed fairly innocent, one gets the impression from the video footage that they were keeping their eyes open for potential victims.
As they were leaving the Pick ’n Pay Clothing Store, a woman pushing a shopping trolley containing shopping bags and her handbag, entered the store.
The four suspects slowly re-entered the shop and once again pretended that they were looking at clothes.
While the potential victim was browsing with her daughters, the group of suspects slowly closed in and when her attention was completely turned away from her trolley, the 12-year-old girl was given the signal to grab the handbag.
This was done like a true professional and then swiftly handed to another and so the bag disappeared from the shop.
By the time the victim realised that the handbag was missing, the thieves were long gone.
After further investigation, more security camera footage showed one of the suspects casually walking in the Mall with the victim's handbag over her shoulder.
No arrests have been made, but the police have asked the assistance of shop-owners and the public to be on the lookout for the four suspects and to contact them if they see anything suspicious.
It is suspected that this syndicate has been operating in a similar fashion in Lady Grey Street.
Anybody who can assist the police with their investigation can contact Const Phillip Telle at 021-807-4000.
* On 1 May, a couple from Retreat were arrested outside Mr Price in Lady Grey Street for credit card fraud.
The couple had apparently been shopping at various shops in the area the previous day, but they had paid for their goods with stolen credit cards.
A shop assistant had happened to spot them on Tuesday and the police were contacted immediately.
Their vehicle was searched and a stolen firearm and clothing was seized, as well as an amount of Tik.
Riebawaan and Roegshaan Daniels, both 24, were taken into custody and the case was later transferred to the organised crime unit in Cape Town, who suspect that the couple are involved in a syndicate which trades in stolen credit cards.
A spokesperson for the police said that consumers must immediately have their credit cards blacklisted if they are stolen.
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