Durban - A smooth-talking pickpocket has been operating in Durban North and surrounding areas. People have been warned not to be fooled by the man, who poses as a benefactor.
His modus operandi is to offer tips on how to avoid being a crime victim, while he robs his unsuspecting listeners in broad daylight.
A security company operations manager said the pickpocket had robbed a resident of his cellphone while pretending to offer him advice on crime. The resident had been walking his dog in Ennisdale Drive just after 5pm on Friday.
“The man started talking to him about how to defend himself if someone should attack him and it was only after he had left that the resident put his hand in his pocket and realised his cellphone had been stolen,” said Brian Jackson of Blue Security.
The resident hunted the area for the man but could not find him.
The thief was wearing brightly coloured takkies.
The Mercury