Pickpockets picked the wrong PnP on the wrong day. Security officer Nora was watching.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 September 2026) – A Facebook post praising a Cape Town security officer has struck a chord after she spotted a pickpocketing attempt in progress, gave chase and managed to get a shopper’s stolen phone back before the thieves could disappear.
Lynne Keene was simply doing her shopping when a man in a pink knitted beanie appeared beside her in aisle 12 and asked a very odd question about a nail brush…
“In aisle number 12, I had a nail brush in my hand, when pink beanie guy appeared right at my side, which only when I re-watched the video footage later, did I notice that he was practically on top of me, and asked whether he could use this, a nail brush on his child’s hair? I directed him to the next aisle to the hairbrushes and off he went.”
At the time, Lynne thought little of it. Her small bag was sitting open inside her trolley, with her phone and glasses on top so she could easily check her shopping list as she moved through the store.
What Lynne did not know was that Nora, a security officer at Constantia PnP, had already been keeping a very close eye on things.
“Nora, the Fidelity security officer for Constantia PnP, was on high alert after receiving a notification that a stolen black car had just entered Constantia Village…” writes Lynne. “She had a feeling that the occupants were going to be looking for trouble in her PnP and she was going to be ready”
Within minutes, Nora noticed a suspicious couple following Lynne through the aisles. While the man in the pink beanie kept Lynne talking, a woman in a white beret made her move.
Lynne only realised a few moments later.
“I wasted another few seconds looking for a second white nail brush, and then wandered off with my trolley. After a few steps I stopped to check my list, and ah no, that sinking feeling as I realised that my phone was gone! I wasted a few more seconds, checking whether he was still in the hairbrush aisle, although I already knew he wouldn’t be and started running for the manager to check the security cameras.”
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“…But Nora was already headed towards me, phone in hand, saying don’t worry, here it is, I got it back for you.” says Lynne. “Nora had watched the guy distract me, but when she noticed the woman extract the phone from my open bag. she didn’t watch any more. She started running, running for the exit closest to the aisle, which was also the furthest point from where she was viewing the security monitors in her office, but little did they know what they were dealing with, Nora, very fast and very determined.”
By then, members of Constantia Watch had also arrived after receiving the same alert about the stolen car.
“They may have thought they had gotten away with it, as they coolly sauntered out of the shop, but the thieves did not stand a chance with Nora hot on their heels and Constantia Watch SRT coming in from the outside.”
Lynne was encouraged to lay a charge, particularly because a similar incident had recently happened at another store and that victim had chosen not to pursue it. It meant a long wait, but she decided it was worth it.
“Yes, waiting for the police and laying the charge did take two hours, but at least now there is one less thief on the streets… for a while.”
Her post has since received more than 2200 reactions and comments, along with over 100 shares, with plenty of people applauding Nora for being alert, fast and very much on the ball.
Nora even popped into the comments herself.
“Thanks so much for the compliment I’m dedicated to my work I’m looking forward to protect customers from these syndicates and pick porketers I really appreciate to the team I would love my company to adhere to these comments I have everything in me customer service,give love and comfort to the customer and I say thanks again…”
We imagine that somewhere, a pink beanie and a white beret have been retired.
“And Nora saves the day. She certainly saved my day.” ends Lynne.
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