The Lagos State Government on Wednesday alerted residents on a new method adopted by criminal elements in perpetuating their evil activities in parts of the state.

The alert is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna

According to the statement, the unscrupulous persons render their victims unconscious by rubbing perfumed handkerchiefs on their faces.

The statement said that the bandits usually target unsuspecting victims either in lonely commuter buses, taxis or at quiet corner.

It said that by the time the effect of the drugged perfume wears off, the criminals would have fled after robbing a victim.

The statement listed the Igando axis in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state as one of the areas where the new dimension of crime had become pronounced in recent times.

“It is not yet known how harmful the drug being used on the handkerchief is. While that is being checked out, it may be necessary to alert members of the public on this new dimension,’’ the statement said. (NAN)