Police: Beware of grocery bandits

UPDATE:

Assistant Commissioner of Police Irwin Hackshaw has warned members of the public who buy large amounts of groceries for Christmas to be on the alert for bandits who follow people home and rob them at gunpoint of their grocereis and other valuables.

Hackshaw said last Christmas this type of crime occurred mainly in the Central division. Last year several people from Preysal and neighbouring villages reported being robbed of their Christmas groceries.

Hackshaw said this new type of crime is being carefully monitored and new strategies have been adopted to deal with it.

Hackshaw also warned the public not to withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs, especially during the night. He said bandits will target ATM users, follow them from the bank to any particular area and rob them of that cash.

“People have to be cautious, they have to be aware of their surroundings, they have to apply all safety measures to avoid being robbed, especially at this Yuletide season, because there are unscrupulous people ready and waiting to get their hands on cash from unsuspecting victims.”
Hackshaw said the police will maintain a presence at some ATMs but cannot fight crime alone and it is the responsibility of the public also to do their part.

With respect to shoppers leaving bags and other valuables in their cars, Hackshaw advised against this and said there are also bandits who will be on the prowl to break into vehicles and remove valuables. People must also be on the alert for pickpockets and others slashing bags and removing cash. This occurs mainly during the Christmas period and shoppers should be aware and find innovative ways of securing their wallets and cash.

Hackshaw said every year the public is advised on these dos and don’ts, but some people disregard the advice and pay dearly. He singled out some members of the business community who do not ask for police assistance when travelling with large sums of cash for payroll or for depositing in various banks. He reminded the business community that the police will help them get their money safely from one destination to the next.

He admitted that while some people may not trust the police in their district, they could go to the police elsewhere for help.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Assistant Commissioner of Police Irwin Hackshaw is advising members of the public who purchase large quantities of groceries for Christmas, to be on the alert for bandits who follow people from the supermarket to their homes and rob them at gunpoint.

Hackshaw said last Christmas this type of crime happened in the Central division.

Additionally, he also advised people not to withdraw large sums of cash from ATM machines, especially at night.

He said bandits target ATM users and follow them from the bank to rob them.