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Increase in smash and grab ‘window shopping’

Intersections along Jakes Gerwel Drive remain hotspots for smash and grab incidents. During November and December last year, 36 incidents were recorded. The Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit also recorded a surge in incidents where would-be thieves would scout for opportunities. The statistics show a continued need for extreme vigilance and locking away valuables, but some motorists have yet to do their bit. While the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Department continues awareness drives, the motoring public has yet to do their part.

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 during the same period the previous year.CCTV footage also detected 100 instances where individuals appeared to be 'casing out' potential targets, compared to 41 in 2022. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/smash1.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>'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. 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,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/smash2.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>The hot spot intersections along Jakes Gerwel Drive are Bluegum, Bofors, Jakkalsvlei and the N2. The pamphlet and awareness drive last week focused on providing tips on smash and grab crimes, road safety, as well as parent and child safety. '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. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/smash3.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:891px;" /> </figure>Reduce the risk of a smash-and-grab incident:<ul><li>Keep valuables out of sight and not on seats inside the vehicle – put it in the boot or underneath the seat, making sure it's not visible</li><li>Lock all doors and close windows</li><li>Be cautious, be vigilant, and be aware of your surroundings</li><li>Be wary of people loitering about at traffic lights or intersections</li><li>Be aware of people attempting to give you pamphlets or sell you goods as not all are legitimate vendors </li></ul>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. End

2024-01-23T22:00:00Z

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