New Road is a crime hotspot

SMASH and grab incidents at the traffic light on the New Road offramp are common and resident Stancilla Freese was a victim in February.

She hopes her story will help to caution more drivers.

On 26 February at 9.10pm Freese stopped at the intersection.

She saw a man approaching the car but thought he was a beggar. The man used a small rock to smash her front passenger window and he stole Freese’s handbag, which was on her passenger seat.

Freese said, “I think that the increase of people who stand and either beg or entertain at the robots has caused us to be less vigilant – almost desensitised in that we expect to see them on the road. I will, of course, be the first to admit that my handbag should not have been on the front seat, however it was one of those evenings where I didn’t take the time to stop and put my handbag in the boot because of the rain, and the closer I got to home, the safer I felt.”

She said she often gives donations at robots so she did not think when she saw a man approach her car.

After the incident she drove, in shock, to report the case.

“I just would like more people to be aware that the spot is a potential hotspot for crime because if you were parked in, as I was, it makes it very easy for robbers to get away as there is a bush they can run into,” said Freese.

Midrand police’s Constable Matome Tlamela said the area was problematic for smash and grab incidents. She offered tips for motorists:

•  Don’t leave your cellphone or other valuables, such as bags, where they are visible in the car. This will attract thieves who may break your car window.
•  Lock all your doors and close all the windows.
•  Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious-looking characters. Do not hesitate to report them to the police.
•  When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you can only reach it when it turns green.
•  Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections. They may be innocent but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
•  Never open your vehicle window or door for any stranger.
•  Never sit in your vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings.