Lagos Police: Here Is How You Can Avoid Being A Victim Of One-chance Robbery

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Police Command has released tips that can help residents avoid being victims of one-chance robbery.

The command’s spokesperson gave the tips in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.

“One chance” is a type of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles whose occupants are robbers, then attack and strip the victims of all their valuables.

The police in Lagos have nabbed multiple one-chance robbery gangs in recent days.

According to the police spokesperson in the state, the following moves can help avoid falling into the trap of the robbers:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and check for suspicious activities from the driver, conductor or even fellow passengers before boarding a vehicle. If you have boarded before noticing suspicious activities, request to alight at the next police checkpoint.

2. Avoid vehicles that offer suspiciously lower rates.

3. Avoid taking rides from strangers.

4. Where practicable, check the plate number of the vehicle and send the details to a relative or friend as soon as you board.

5. Avoid vehicles that are not painted in the official Lagos State commercial vehicle colour.

6. Don’t board any vehicle that does not have an interior door handle or latch. Also, note that criminals sometimes use child safety lock to trap and detain their victims. To be on the safe side, ask the driver to wind down the car window on the side you are sitting if at the back.

7. Avoid boarding vehicles with tinted glasses.

8. Be at alert while in public transport; don’t be too immersed in your phone and endeavor to be awake.

9. Avoid discussing money issues while in public transport.

10. When totally avoidable, do not stay out at odd hours.

When hailing rides,
✓ Do not board the vehicle if it does not match the description given on the app.
✓ Do not board the vehicle if the driver shows up with a companion.
✓ Avoid taking offline trips.

Finally, arm yourself with the Lagos State Police Command emergency lines: 08065154338, 08063299264 or the Lagos State toll-free emergency lines: 767 and 112.

Click here to watch our video of the week: