Smash-and-grab hot spots identified

The Garsfontein police has identified two smash-and-grab hot spots in Pretoria East after more than ten incidents have been reported in the last two weeks.

The latest incident was reported to the police on Wednesday evening after criminals in Garstfontein Road smashed the window of a woman’s vehicle, grabbed her handbag and ran off.

Police are warning motorists to be vigilant when stopping at traffic lights at the corner of Garstfontein and De Villebois Mareuil roads and further down the Garstfontein Road at the traffic lights close to the entrance of the Woodlands Boulevard.

According to police spokesperson, warrant officer Dave Miller, thieves predominantly strike before and after peak-hours when traffic is most calm. Incidents mostly occur between 05:00 and 06:00 and 18:30 and 21:30.

“These criminals used to operate only in the evenings, but since the police, community policing forum and security companies are being more visible at that time, there is new trend – they strike in the mornings.”

“The number of incidents have increased over the past two weeks and although we cannot yet tell if it is the same groups operating here, we can confirm that the modus operandi is exactly the same,” Miller said.

He added that the suspects mostly target females that travel alone and have handbags or cellphones lying on the passenger’s seat.

The criminals usually hide behind the overgrown bushes, large trees, dustbins and advertising boards in the open field next to the road and strike when a vehicle is alone or surrounded by only a few other vehicles at a traffic light.

According to Miller, the open field lends itself to criminal activity as there is a lack of lighting and the area offers many hiding places for criminals.

On Rekord’s visit to the hot spot, police found several shopping cards, evidently from women’s handbags, scattered in the field. An empty pill case and a can of ladies deodorant was also found at the scene.

“After the criminals grab the bags, they run into the bushes and leave the content they do not need in the field,” Miller explained.

He advised motorists not to assume they are safe if their vehicles have smash-and-grab proof windows as criminals can smash through it.

He also advised motorists to lock all their valuables in the boot and not to hide it on the floor or under seats as criminals will find a way to get hold of it.

“Always be vigilant at stop streets and traffic lights – especially when it gets darker – and remember to keep an eye on your blind spots.”

“Although these incidents can be very traumatic, victims should remain calm and let criminals grab what they want.”

“Your life is more important than your belongings.”

“Try to be as observant as possible and to identify what clothing they are wearing,” he added.