Sandton police said criminals were coming out in full force following the hard lockdown.
Spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station, Captain Bheki Xulu said police have seen an increase in house robberies, theft out of motor vehicles and common robberies in recent weeks. “There are also lots of robberies with firearms and sometimes toy guns,” explained Xulu.
Police have also been clamping down on businesses with liquor licences operating beyond the curfew time of 12pm.
“We have been making sure that they comply with the regulations and are also monitoring the sale of alcohol in alleys at malls.”
Sector 1 and 4 commander Captain Thabo Shilubane said hijackings have become an increasing problem on Old Pretoria Main Road and at the Buccleuch interchange.
Shilubane added that there had been an increase in common robberies in Woodmead and Sunninghill targeting women on foot and robbing them of bags and cell phones.
“Perpetrators are using a motor vehicle with about two people inside. The car stops alongside pedestrians and a person jumps out the car, takes the bag and they speed off.”
Cars known to have been involved in these crimes include a white Mercedes-Benz, a white BMW, white Corolla Quest and grey Corolla Quest.
Xulu advised women to not expose their cell phones when walking in public and avoid putting their phones in their handbags.
“If possible, walk near to other pedestrians as criminals generally do not target groups. Avoid walking alone in open spaces,” said Xulu.
He also offered the following tips to avoid theft out of motor vehicles:
• Ensure that your doors are locked and windows closed
• Check that your doors are locked after you lock the car to ensure that no signal jamming was conducted on your car
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Don’t park where there is insufficient light.
Xulu said just as criminals have increased their activity, police have increased their arrests and during the past 29 days, Sandton police apprehended 121 arrests.
