A new gang
dubbed the “the Axe Gang” are lurking the streets of Johannesburg. Targeting
the elderly and harming them with their dangerous axes. It is a gang who want to steal items such as
cell phones, and laptops as these are easy to dispose of and
cash. The elderly are targeted as they are vulnerable. It is South Africa and crime is on the rise.
Source:
Residents warned about axe gang
BLAIRGOWRIE – Residents are warned about the axe gang who targets elderly residents. Police warn
residents not to investigate noises at night.
The Blairgowrie Community association
(BCA) is warning residents from Blairgowrie and surrounding areas
of a robbery trend involving an axe gang who are targeting elderly residents.
Brian Price from the BCA said that there have been five attacks recently where
elderly residents have been the target of the attacks.
“We have dubbed this gang the ‘axe gang’ because they carry
an axe and use this to harm the elderly residents. We want to warn the
residents because we want to ensure that everybody is safe in our neighborhoods,” he said.
Price pointed out that the modus operandi that the gang used
was to make a noise outside which lured
the residents outside to investigate and that is when they are pounced upon.
“The axe gang members are usually looking for things they can
take quickly such as laptops, cell phones, and cash,” he added.
Captain Alex Vermaak from the Linden Police Station said that
it appeared as though the perpetrators had a good knowledge of the area or
lived in the vicinity and that at this stage they were targeting elderly
residents who were more vulnerable.
“It is very important that residents should not investigate a
possible situation but should rather call and wait for help. If a noise is
heard at night press your panic button, call the police or your security
service provider,” he said.
- Neighbourhood grapevine – Please alert all the neighbors about the axe gang
- Buddy System – Ensure that you know your neighbors and have their contact details
- Blow the Whistle – Purchase a police whistle and use it in an emergency
- Repair/maintain alarm system – Ensure that the alarm system works at all times
- Memorise SAPS and security company numbers – It is important residents know their emergency numbers in case of an emergency.
Capt Vermaak added that the street captains and street
Whatsapp groups must be made aware of what was going on in the area and
recommended that street captains also be added to the street groups around them
in order to be aware of what was happening at all times.
Details: BCA, 071 345 0209
Linden Police Station, 011 449 9115
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