The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has urged motorists to change their ways as more areas are becoming hotspots for smash-and-grab incidents.
Over the last month, more than 200 smash-and-grab incidents have been reported across the City, with most incidents occurring in the late afternoon and early evening, and more frequently over weekends.
The corridor between Bonteheuwel and Langa remains the biggest hotspot; however, in the last few months, other intersections have seen an increase as enforcement efforts force criminals to change their modus operandi.
Based on reports to the Public Emergency Communication Centre, these criminals are also targeting other prominent areas including Leonsdale, Beaconvale, the Foreshore, Elsies River Industria, Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi.
According to Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, most of the areas with the highest number of reports are in close proximity.
Smith added that these opportunistic criminals often strike when people are less vigilant and stuck in peak-hour traffic, or over the weekend when they tend to be more relaxed, and the odds increase of valuables like shopping bags being left on backseats.
“One of our biggest challenges is that it is nearly impossible to determine the extent of the problem. The CCTV network only detects incidents within the camera footprint, and not all incidents are reported to SAPS,” added Smith
Smith says officers are often dispatched to investigate possible suspicious activity picked up by the City’s CCTV. At times, where resources allow, static patrols are conducted in particularly problematic areas.
There are also dedicated daily Metro Police and the Traffic Services’ Highway Unit patrols on the N2, N7, R300 and N1 to boost freeway safety.
Additional deployments are planned for this new financial year, on the N2 between Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Sir Lowry’s Pass, Baden Powell Drive, Borcherds Quarry and Airport Approach Roads.
“Ultimately, vigilance is key. The Metro Police Department conducts education and awareness drives at hotspot locations, to alert motorists to the risks, and advising them on steps to take to mitigate the risk of being targeted.”
Before setting off on your journey:
- check that all of your valuables are in the boot of the vehicle
- ensure that doors are locked and the windows closed
- Resist distractions like checking your phone while stationary at an intersection, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic
- keep your wits about you at all times
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