During the festive season, criminal activity tends to surge, with thieves cashing in by exploiting unsuspecting tourists.
A growing concern on the Atlantic Seaboard, specifically on Beach Road in Mouille Point, involves individuals posing as security guards. Residents report witnessing well-dressed scammers who manipulate pedestrians making their way towards the V&A Waterfront.
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The scams involve falsely claiming that individuals need to pay a fee for a permit to access the Waterfront or to use an alternate route.
Ward 54 Councillor Nicola Jowell explains, ‘There has been a marked increase in the number of scammers posing as well-dressed security guards on Beach Road [mainly in Mouille Point] scamming people who are walking towards the Waterfront.’
‘[The scam involves] Anything from telling people they need a permit to access the Waterfront or to access via an alternative route, which they must pay for.’
Jowell adds that police have successfully arrested suspects in possession of scam-related items and clothing.
Despite these incidents, the V&A Waterfront spokesperson, Donald Kau, stated that they have not received any official reports on such activities.
Police have not yet confirmed the reported arrests.
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