Smash-and-grab incidents continue to occur at intersections along Jakes Gerwel Drive. In November and December of last year, 36 incidents were recorded. The Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit also reported an increase in incidents where potential thieves scouted for opportunities. According to the statistics, there is still a need for extreme caution and the storage of valuables, but some drivers have yet to take action. While the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Department continues to raise awareness, the general public has yet to take action.
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The Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit recorded 36 positive smash and grab incidents along Jakes Gerwel Drive in November and December 2023, up from 22 in the same period last year.
CCTV footage also detected 100 instances of individuals ‘casing out’ potential targets, up from 41 in 2022.
‘The increase in the number of proverbial window shopping incidents is of interest. We know that smash and grabs are crimes of opportunity, and the statistics suggest that smash and grab criminals are not letting up,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith. ‘It does also suggest, however, that the opportunities are decreasing, likely as more road users are implementing the safety guidelines, about hiding valuables.’
‘That said, there are still some who neglect to take the necessary measures. During a recent awareness drive by our Metro Police Department, officers found many drivers and passengers openly displaying their valuables. Some even had their bags or phones on their laps. Even more disconcerting is when this was pointed out to them, officers were told not to concern themselves with the valuables of others. We want to halt a crime that deprives people of their hard earned and prized possessions; and spare them the trauma of being victims. There is only so much we can do and motorists should do what they can to ensure their own safety.’
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Last week, a pamphlet and awareness drive was conducted to provide safety tips for smash-and-grab crimes, road safety and parent-child safety. The drive focused on the hot spot intersections along Jakes Gerwel Drive, which include Bluegum, Bofors, Jakkalsvlei, and the N2.
‘Officers will continue to patrol the hotspots, but I want to remind motorists that our uniformed staff cannot be everywhere at once. Although there are definite problem intersections, be vigilant at all times. Criminals will take the chance if presented, so make sure you don’t provide that opportunity,’ added Alderman Smith.
Reduce the risk of a smash-and-grab incident:
- Keep valuables out of sight and not on seats inside the vehicle – put them in the boot or underneath the seat, making sure they’re not visible
- Lock all doors and close windows
- Be cautious, be vigilant, and be aware of your surroundings
- Be wary of people loitering about at traffic lights or intersections
- Be aware of people attempting to give you pamphlets or sell you goods, as not all are legitimate vendors
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Smash-and-grab incidents can be reported to the nearest police station or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
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Picture: Supplied/ CoCT
