Centurion, Pretoria has become a smash-and-grab and street robbery hotspot. Police and security officials urged the public to be extra vigilant while driving or walking around in the streets.

JP le Roux of Monitor Net says Hendrik Verwoerd, Olievenhoutbosch and Nellmapius roads are the areas where these crimes happened most.

He urges motorists to try and find alternative routes, especially early in the morning and at night.

“People need to be more vigilant, [otherwise] they are making themselves more vulnerable,” warns Le Roux.

He advises motorists to keep their car doors locked, windows always closed and any valuables out of sight.

“We want people to be alert and come to us or the police with any information. If you see a car driving around suspiciously in your area, take down the number plate and report it to the police or your security company,” says Le Roux.

He warns runners to choose the area they are going to run in carefully.

Joggers are also frequently robbed and are advised to keep their valuables, especially cellphones, hidden.

Many joggers run around wearing headphones which also get stolen often.

Police have since issued tips to assist motorists:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Motorists are often distracted when driving, by either texting on their cellphones at an intersection.
• Be on the lookout for signs of hotspots. Evidence of broken glass on either the centre or on the side of the road are signal flares when approaching an intersection. This is a sure sign that the crossing is a hotspot for smash-and-grab crimes or hijackings.
• Check blind spots when alone at an intersection. Blind spots have become predominantly used in many hijackings as motorists only refer to their mirrors to observe other cars.
• When attacked, remain calm. In the unfortunate event of a smash-and-grab, always remain calm, let the thief take the valuables as they in some cases may be armed. Go to a safe area and call 10111.
• Report the crime immediately. It is important to report the crime to police as quickly as possible as this might help in identifying the culprit should they return to the scene of the crime.
• Boot it or lose it. Police advise all motorists to always put their valuables in the boot of a car.
• Always take precautionary measures when at an intersection. Police advise all motorists to hoot as many times as possible when they sense they were being targeted and drive away when possible.