A new form of crime has emerged in Douala, the economic capital, Cameroon Intelligence Report has learned. The criminals involved in this new method reportedly move from house to house and presenting themselves as “buy’am sell’am”. They go along with products such as perfumes, dresses, hair products; shoes etc and lull their victims into inviting them right into their homes before they stage the crime.

A perfume is sprayed on a white or brown handkerchief and the buyer is asked to get the scent if he or she would love to buy. The strong scent pushes you to sleep while your whole house is emptied. One of the victims told police officers in Douala that she was asleep until her children returned from school.

The crime has been recorded in Makepe, Bonadibong and some parts of Bonaberi. Another victim recounted to the Bonapriso district police that she was flattered by the goods offered by two men and a lady. By the time she took the shoes to admire it, she fell asleep suddenly and the gang took away her gas cylinder and household appliances. The phenomenon is getting bigger as Christmas and New Year festivities are approaching.

By Rita Akana with files from CIN