A Smash-and-Grab suspect has been arrested. City Officials say the incident happened this morning on the N2 between Jakes Gerwel Drive and Bhunga Avenue.

A Smash-and-Grab suspect nabbed

Cape Town Traffic’s Maxine Bezuidenhout says a motorist had alerted Ghost Squad officers of a suspect who was attacking motorists in their cars on the mentioned stretch of road.

She says officers were dispatched to the scene. The suspect tried to flee but was quickly apprehended just before 8 a.m. He was then taken to the Police Station in Athlone, where he was charged.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Smash and Grab incidents on the rise

At the same time, Officers say a knife and suspected stolen property were found in his possession.

Inspector Bezuidenhout says the arrest this morning comes a week after traffic officers took two suspects into custody for allegedly robbing a pedestrian along Jakes Gerwel Drive. The suspects were nabbed after a short chase in Bridgetown.

Here are some TIPS from the Arrive Alive campaign, to prevent or minimize incidents of Smash- and Grab incidents

• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving – Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
• Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious-looking characters.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• Be wary of people standing at intersections – They may be innocent but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
• If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres do not get out of your vehicle to remove them -immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.
• If it’s late at night, slow down well in advance so that the light changes green by the time you reach the intersection.
• Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape (i.e. drive away from the scene), if anything should happen.
• Be especially wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road. If the pieces of glass are still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash-and-grab occurred just recently.

• READ MORE: How to travel safely in your car