Motorists warned to be vigilant as smash-and-grab incidents increases

The City of Cape Town has noted an increase in smash-and-grab incidents in some traffic intersections. According to the City, most of the incidents take place along Jakes Gerwel Drive.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The City recorded 36 smash-and-grab incidents in November and December last year and this is an increase from 22 during the same period in 2022

Metro police have also noted an increase in incidents where individuals appear to be watching for potential targets.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety, JP Smith, says motorists need to be more careful.

“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.''

“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,” added JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla