The police in Bulawayo have alerted motorists to the rising incidents of theft from vehicles, especially at traffic light-controlled intersections.
The criminals pounce on unsuspecting motorists who stop at these intersections.
They are reportedly targeting female drivers and several cases have been reported at the intersection of Khami road and Nketa drive.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Ncube said the victims have lost valuables.
“On the first incident the complainant lost her Samsung cellphones, cash amounting to US$10 and a handbag,” he said.
Inspector Ncube said the second victim was robbed of her handbag with an Itel cellphone, eye spectacles, US$30 and R850 among other things.
He said during the month of June a handbag containing US$40 was again stolen.
“In the month of July, the criminals committed three cases in which an HP laptop was stolen. In the other case, an Itel cellphone and a handbag were stolen. Recently a handbag with cash of US$270 was snatched from the car,” said Inspector Ncube.
The police spokesperson said in all cases, the criminals open unlocked doors or use opened windows to snatch handbags placed on the passenger seat and flee into the darkness.
Inspector Ncube urged motorists to keep their car doors locked when driving especially at night, avoid displaying valuables as they attract criminals and always be wary of suspicious persons around them.
“Police would like to appeal to members of the public with information which can lead to the arrest of the accused persons to report to the nearest police station,” he added.
