Capetonians have been urged to be extra vigilant when travelling at night after video footage emerged on social media of a group of men targeting vehicles.
However, it is still unclear when and where the footage was captured as the incident is yet to be confirmed by any law enforcement agencies.
In the footage captured by a Street camera, the men can be seen crossing the road as each one of them approaches a vehicle before smashing the windows. Several cars can also be seen accelerating to the back in order to avoid the smash and grab suspects.
Meanwhile, four intersections have been identified as key smash-and-grab zones by the City of Cape Town.
- The intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive
- Jakkalsvlei Avenue into Bonteheuwel
- Bishop Lavis between Robert Sobukwe Road and 35th Avenue
- The intersection of Samora Machel
Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of smash-and-grab incidents
- Keep all valuables in your car out of sight either in the boot or underneath the seats.
- Make sure your doors are locked and windows closed when you approach intersections or crossings.
- When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you reach the crossing when the light has already turned green. This will reduce the risk of being in a vulnerable stationary position at an intersection.
- Be cautious of people loitering at traffic lights or intersections.
- Avoid discussions with vendors at intersections as it provides an ideal distraction for a perpetrator to access vehicles and motorist’s goods.
Smash-and-grab incidents can also 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: Screenshot from video