More than 200 smash-and-grab incidents were detected by the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police CCTV network between July 2024 and May 2025.
According to the municipality, most of the 215 incidents occurred
in the late afternoon and early evening, and the frequency increases 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, other prominent
areas based on the location data include Leonsdale, Beaconvale, the Foreshore,
Elsies River Industria, Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi.
‘’Most of the areas with the highest number of reports are in close proximity. Furthermore, the trends show that these opportunistic criminals strike when people are perhaps less vigilant after a long day at work and stuck in peak hour traffic, or it is a weekend when they tend to be more relaxed, and the odds increase of valuables like shopping bags on backseats,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
‘’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,’’ he added.
PICTURE: PixabaySmith says there are also dedicated daily patrols by Metro
Police and the Traffic Services' Highway Unit on the N2, N7, R300 and N1 to
boost freeway safety. Additional deployments are planned for this new financial
year, on the N2 and surrounds. The deployment footprint on this route includes
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, and that all the doors are locked and
the windows closed. Resist distractions like checking your phone while
stationary at an intersection, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and keep your
wits about you at all times,’’ said 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
it's 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
Done By: Mitchum George
Comments