Emmarentia residents are calling for improved security at an intersection near Melville Koppies following repeated smash-and-grab incidents targeting motorists waiting at traffic lights.

Residents say the incidents have raised concerns about the safety of motorists travelling through the area after dark, with calls for better lighting, visible warning signs, increased patrols and security cameras.

Resident Lorayne Excell said she had heard from several people who were victims of smash-and-grabs in the area. She added that incidents appeared to occur frequently, with motorists targeted while stopped in traffic. Excell fell prey while waiting to turn right into Beyers Naudé Drive around 20:00 on a cold, overcast weeknight. She said several vehicles were stopped at the traffic light when a suspect allegedly smashed her car window, reached inside and searched for valuables before taking her cell phone. “It was just this almighty bang, smash, and the next thing a body was jumping into the car and grovelling around looking for something to take,” she said.

Read more: Stay safe with these smash-and-grab prevention tips

Excell said the incident happened quickly, making it difficult to identify the suspect, who was wearing dark clothing. She reported the incident at Parkview Police Station, where a case was opened. She also recalled being told by police that the location was a known hotspot. However, when approached by the publication for official comment on whether the specific area was a smash-and-grab hotspot, Parkview SAPS said the police were not aware of this.

Linda Sandham said better lighting would be an important starting point, suggesting high-mounted, solar-powered lights that could provide consistent illumination without relying on electrical cables vulnerable to theft. She also called for more visible signage warning motorists, regular patrols, repairs to fencing and the installation of security cameras.

Residents believe the surrounding overgrown areas also make it easier for suspects to disappear after targeting motorists, although the precise routes used by suspects have not been independently confirmed. Beyond physical security improvements, residents have called for greater awareness and co-operation among neighbouring communities to establish how widespread the problem is and identify practical solutions.

Parkview Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Bianca Albertini said the community was aware of the incidents and had started working on practical measures to improve safety at the intersection. “The community has also come together to assist with keeping the greenery cut back so there’s more visibility,” Albertini said.

She added that CAP Security had also stepped in to help secure the area by welding sections of the palisade fence closed whenever damaged or open sections were reported. “They send their team and they weld it, so that’s been really great,” Albertini said.

Also read: What to do when witnessing a smash-and-grab and a hit-and-run

She added that the CPF had committed to installing lighting at the intersection, with the first step being to obtain quotations from suppliers. The CPF has received quotes and will now consider the available options before deciding which supplier to use.

The next step would be to explore fundraising to help cover the cost of installing the lights. Albertini said the community’s efforts to cut back the vegetation and CAP Security’s repairs to the fence appeared to be making a difference, with the number of reported incidents coming down significantly.

The CPF hopes that improved visibility, repaired fencing and the planned lighting will further improve safety for motorists travelling through the area.

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