Smash and grab incidents increase in Elsies River

Motorists are advised to be extra cautious and vigilant when approaching intersections in Elsies River, as the South African Police Service saw an increase in smash and grab incidents in the area.

Hotspot areas include intersections along 35th Street and Owen Road, Avonwood and 35th Street, Epping Avenue and 35th Street, Norwood and Francie van Zyl, Halt Road and Voortrekker Road.

PHOTO: Pixabay

The police’s Anelisiwe Manyana says the majority of these cases reported indicate that cellular telephones are grabbed through an open window, especially on Jakes Gerwel Drive and Bofors Circle. She added that motorists and passengers tend to leave their cellphones on the dashboard or the victim is speaking on the phone whilst stationary at the intersection/robots

 ‘’The public is advised that valuable items such as cellular telephones and laptops are locked in the boot of the vehicle before departing to your destination. Do not leave any items hidden underneath the front seats. Be aware of surroundings and refrain from driving with valuables visible in vehicles. Make sure that all windows and doors of your vehicle are closed and locked, before you walk away,’’ said Anelisiwe Manyana, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson.

Manyana says theft out of motor vehicles have also increased where the use of jamming devices could not be ruled out, due to no forced entry being noticeable. 

In December 2023, Table View SAPS released a statement stating it too saw an increase in smash and grab incidents, along Potsdam Road, especially during peak hour traffic.

The City of Cape Town recently also saw an uptick in smash and grab incidents along Jakes Gerwel Drive.

 

Done by: Mitchum George