Thanks to 2 Amovate Members who have advised us of the following e mail they have received from Afpop, who both thought it would be useful information to other Members.

“Dear Members,

We have advised you in the past via UPDATE and also by e-mail, about some of the scams that are perpetrated on unsuspecting shoppers in supermarket carparks, amongst other places. Following a recent communication from a Member about a theft in Lagos recently, we thought it was a good opportunity to remind Members to remain vigilant when approached by people asking for assistance.

The current scam is the one of people asking for directions, thereby diverting your attention whilst an accomplice enters your vehicle and steals a handbag or other goods. The people who approach are usually a couple and may have a map or an address that they are looking for and approach you as you have begun to unload bags into your vehicle, whilst a third person then opens the door and removes what they are after.

The recent event was in the ALDI car park in Lagos, but of course these things happen across the region.

We are not saying that you shouldn’t help people of course, but do make sure that your vehicle is locked and any bags that are in your shopping trolley stay in your sight. Anyone who truly wants assistance will be more than happy to wait while you do this. We would also advise that if you are approached you should re-enter the store and advise the security personnel inside that there may be a team operating in their car park.

Please remain vigilant – remember that these people are looking for those who they think may be most distracted and therefore less alert. If you intend to help then lock your car first and safeguard your property. Don’t rely on video surveillance to identify these people, because many stores do not have cameras covering their car parks.

If you see someone is being approached, most probably a lone female or mother with children, you could perhaps go and make sure that there is nothing untoward taking place or at least inform the security team at the store.

Remain vigilant and have a theft free summer.”