Smash-and-grab hotspots remain the same
Motorists should be aware of their surroundings when approaching certain intersections due to smash and grabs in the east of Pretoria.
Smash-and-grab hotspots in the east of Pretoria do not change due to geographical and environmental design, Garsfonten police said.
Spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller said criminals usually targeted intersections after peak hour traffic.
They pick spots which are dark and surrounded by bushes they could use as cover.
“For example, at Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive, there is an elevated bridge, shrubbery and dim lighting that helps criminals in looking out for vehicles, identifying them and being able to hide easily,” said spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller.
Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said smash-and-grabs had picked up on Delmas Road and Nossob Street in Erasmuskloof.
“We have been monitoring the area for the past two weeks due to smash-and-grabs happening at night. The culprits stand at the intersection, pretending to be begging.”
He said the criminals usually targeted women who are alone in the car.
“On Monday night, a woman had her windscreen smashed at the corner of Van Ryneveld Street and Solomon Mahlangu Drive. They didn’t even smash her side window. Fortunately the woman managed to drive to a nearby fuel station and the criminals ran away.”
Miller said motorists should be aware of their surroundings at all times as criminals targeted them from their blind-spot.
“Boot it or lose it – that is our motto. Make sure your valuables are safely locked in your boot.”
Jooste advised motorists to avoid using their cellphones once they had stopped at a traffic light.
“The guys can see from outside that you are on your cellphone. When stopping at a traffic light, make sure there is enough space to go to the left or the right instead of stopping on the bumper of the car in front of you.”
Even though a smash-and-grab was a traumatic experience, motorists should try to remain calm, Miller said.
“Drive to your nearest police station or a populated area and contact the police. Inform them of the incident, where it happened, the time it happened, and if possible, a description of the clothing worn by the suspect.”
Miller and Jooste identified the following hotspots in the east:
- Delmas Road and Nossob Street
- Nellmapius Drive offramp at the R21
- Van Ryneveld Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive
- Dam Road and Delmas Road
- Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive
- Garsfontein Road and Philadelphia Road
- Delfi Avenue and Solomon Mahlangu Drive
- Wekker Street and De Villebois Mareuil Drive
- Garsfontein Road and the N1 highway
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