Do Not Stop for Strangers Waving You Down on the Road

This tactic exploits the instinct to help — a group stands on the roadside and signals a driver to stop as if requesting a ride, and the moment the driver pulls over voluntarily, the mobility advantage of the vehicle is surrendered. In May 2026, a 41-year-old driver on the Beetham Highway near City Gate was flagged down by a group of four men and two women; believing they needed transport, he stopped — at which point a suspect yanked open the driver’s door, pressed a knife against his neck, and an accomplice stole his Samsung phone and $1,850 in cash. The group format matters: multiple people signalling you simultaneously reads as a crowd situation rather than a clear threat signal, which delays recognition of danger. By the time intent is obvious, the door may already be open.

Steps to follow:

• Do not stop for people waving at your vehicle from the roadside unless you know them personally; any genuine need for transport or emergency assistance can be directed to official services without you stopping.
• If you feel you must assist, call TTPS (999) or an emergency line on the person’s behalf from inside your moving or locked vehicle — do not exit and do not lower your window fully.
• A group of multiple people signalling you simultaneously is not a ride request; treat it as a threat and drive past.
• Be especially alert on highway stretches and near transit hubs like City Gate and South Quay — these locations attract lure-based robbery crews who work high-traffic corridors during daylight hours.
• If you have already slowed and suspects begin approaching, keep the engine running, doors locked, and windows up; do not commit to a full stop.
• If suspects reach your vehicle and the situation becomes dangerous, comply with demands for property — phone, cash, and valuables are recoverable losses; do not resist a knife or firearm threat.