Cutting holes in handbags is the latest modus operandi Grahamstown police are warning National Arts Festival revellers about.
Cutting holes in handbags is the latest modus operandi Grahamstown police are warning National Arts Festival revellers about.
"No case dockets have been opened yet, but we are concerned," area crime intelligence officer Captain Milanda Coetzer told Grocott's Mail today.
Coetzer is a SAPS representative on the Festival's Joint Operations Committee – the multi-pronged grouping tasked with managing public safety during the annual event.
"We have had some reports of handbags having holes cut in them at licensed entertainment premises," Coetzer said. "Then they steal phones from them."
Police said this afternoon no serious cases had been reported in Grahamstown on Monday 6 July..
"We are however concerned about the thefts of cellphones on the Village Green," Coetzer said.
People put their phones down and moments later they are missing," she said. "People need to be aware where their phones are at all times."
Coetzer also requested that members of the public immediately get their phones blacklisted if they are stolen.
"They should obtain IMEI numbers before they report incidents to us, so a case docket can be opened."
Coetzer said Festival-goers should also be careful not to leave goods in plain sight in vehicles.
"We are still concerned about remote controls being used to jam vehicles' locking mechanisms in order for suspects to gain access."
