The City of Cape Town’s CCTV cameras recorded 212 smash-and-grab incidents and attempted incidents from January to June this year.
According to Safety and Security MMC JP Smith, 126 of these were actual smash-and-grab incidents, four were attempted incidents, and 82 involved suspects scouting for opportunities.
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Smith highlighted Jakes Gerwel Drive, between the N2 and Voortrekker Road, as the primary hotspot.
Other problematic areas include the N7, which includes Jakes Gerwel Drive, and 35th Avenue in Bishop Lavis/Elsies River.
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He noted a recent incident on Malibongwe Drive, Dunoon, off the N7, where a 28-year-old man had his car window smashed at around 5:45pm last Tuesday.
The victim managed to drive away and reported the incident to Milnerton police, but no arrests were made. A widely circulated video showed two men breaking the windows of three cars within five minutes on Malibongwe Drive. The police stated that only the 28-year-old man reported the incident.
Another victim, Rushana Charles, recounted a similar attack on the same road earlier this year, from which she fortunately escaped unharmed. Milnerton community policing forum spokesperson Mark Lindsell acknowledged the longstanding issue of smash-and-grab incidents, emphasising that people are not safe in their cars. The security cluster is working to address the problem and advises drivers to stay vigilant and keep belongings out of sight.
Smith described these crimes as opportunistic and mentioned that while some arrests have been made, many suspects manage to escape quickly. He also noted that incidents often go unreported or victims refuse to press charges even after arrests. Resources are deployed to areas where CCTV cameras detect suspicious activity, and patrols are conducted when possible. The City collaborates with the South African Police Service, security agencies, and neighbourhood watch groups to enhance public safety.
The City’s metro police conduct awareness campaigns at hotspot locations, advising motorists to store valuables like laptops and handbags in their car boots. They recommend keeping valuables out of sight, locking doors and windows, staying alert and being cautious of people loitering at traffic lights or intersections, as well as those offering pamphlets or goods.
Incidents can be reported to the nearest police station or the City of Cape Town’s public emergency communication centre at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
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Picture: Screenshot of video / WC Live Traffic & Safety Reports