Akasia police say it would increase patrols along the N4 and R566 (Brits Road) after a couple was recently robbed by a ‘spike gang’.

Spike gangs usually bring vehicles on the highway to a halt by placing spikes or other objects in the road and puncturing car tyres before robbing the driver and passengers.

The recent victim and his wife were travelling along the N4 after 21:00, when he heard a strange sound and felt his car bump into something.

He stopped and went to investigate and saw that his wheel was punctured.

While he was replacing the wheel, he was reportedly approached by four armed men, who held him up at gunpoint and robbed him of his laptop and cellphones. His wife’s wedding ring was also taken.

Both victims were unharmed.

It was the first spiking incident reported at the Akasia Police Station this year.

Police urged community members to be careful when driving on national roads, especially at night.

Pretoria Rekord reported last year on the tyre-spiking attackers that were using the roadworks on the N4 to rob unsuspecting victims.

Akasia police spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa says that spike traps along the N4 have been a trend for years now as motorists have fallen victim to metal spikes or nails in planks placed on badly-lit and isolated roads.

Gauteng traffic police’s advice on what to do:

• Never stop your vehicle if you get a puncture – instead, drive slowly to the nearest garage, while contacting the Gauteng traffic police.
• If you are stopped by a traffic or police officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify whether such an officer is employed by the relevant authority.
• In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the patrol vehicle’s registration number and report them immediately at the nearest police station.
• If your vehicle has had a complete breakdown on the road, remain in the vehicle with your car doors locked while seeking assistance.
• Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission.
• Should you see that another motorist has been spiked, kindly stop and help them.

Motorists were also told to:

• Be aware of crime hotspots and avoid them if possible.
• Avoid unsafe areas, especially at night.
• Keep an eye on the road and slow down in places that are not well-lit.

The Crime Stop line can be called on 08600 10111.