Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution Around Street Vendors

The festive season is on the horizon, and the community in Newcastle is busy preparing for the celebrations. Yet, alongside the joyful atmosphere, a worrying crime trend is surfacing in the area, apparently coinciding with the holiday hustle.

Street vendors have become a common presence at various intersections in Newcastle, offering a range of products from children’s toys to fresh fruits, enticing locals with their attractive prices and convenience.

However, the Newcastle Crime Policing Forum (CPF) has issued a cautionary note for the community to be vigilant when interacting with these vendors. Reports have surfaced indicating that certain vendors are prompting drivers to roll down their windows or stop on the roadside, only to target and rob them once they comply.

This warning follows a recent incident at the intersection of Victoria Road and Allen Street, where a female driver encountered a vendor. The woman’s husband, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the experience. He mentioned that his wife stopped at the junction when a man approached her vehicle, attempting to sell avocados. “He came up to the car and urged my wife to lower her window, which she declined. The man then claimed her car had damage and insisted she pull over right away. She felt uncomfortable and decided to leave, stopping instead at a nearby garage,” the husband shared. Upon inspection at the garage, they discovered no damage to the vehicle at all.

This is not an isolated case, as CPF’s Talha Randeree noted that many residents have reached out to report similar experiences. Randeree highlighted that the increased number of calls from the public has prompted the CPF to encourage the community to remain alert as this crime trend appears to be growing in Newcastle.

Although Randeree clarified that not all street vendors engage in such behavior, he acknowledged that a few are taking advantage of the busy holiday season to carry out these crimes. He emphasized the necessity of vigilance for all community members when stopping at intersections, especially those popular with vendors.

Amajuba District SAPS Spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Langa, provided practical advice for drivers, emphasizing the importance of not opening car windows or pulling over when approached with claims of vehicle problems. “Since it’s impossible to know their true intentions, it’s best for your safety to avoid engaging with strangers at your window or pulling over. Instead, proceed to a safe location to assess your vehicle,” Langa advised.

Constable Langa also urged motorists to exercise caution at intersections and reassured the community that the South African Police Service is taking this issue seriously.

“The police will work alongside the Newcastle Municipality to target these individuals and strive to create a safer environment for our community,” she assured.

In light of this rising crime trend, what are your thoughts? We encourage you to share your views in the comments section below.