Watch out at Fountains circle
Police warn of the increase in smash and grabs incidents at the Fountains circle. Have you been a victim? Let us know.
Sunnyside police have warned motorists to be vigilant at the Fountains Circle as smash and grabs continue to be a problem at the intersection.
Spokesperson Sergeant Asnath Malatsi said motorists ignored previous police warnings and campaigns to minimise the crime.
“People don’t listen and continue to leave their handbags and valuables in their cars where criminals can easily get to them.”
She said smash and grabs usually occurred at the intersection in peak traffic.
“Motorists should be very vigilant and take this crime seriously.”
Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller said criminals also picked unlit spots near bushes they could use as cover.
“For example, at the Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive [intersection], there is an elevated bridge, shrubbery and dim lighting that helps criminals to hide easily,” said Miller.
Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said the incidence of smash and grabs had picked up in 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 beg.”
He said the criminals usually target women who are alone in their cars.
“On Monday night, a woman had her windscreen smashed at the corner of Van Ryneveld Street and Solomon Mahlangu Drive. They [the robbers] didn’t even smash her side window. Fortunately, she managed to drive to a nearby fuel station and the criminals ran away.”
“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 while waiting at a red traffic light.
“When you stop at a traffic light, make sure you have left enough space behind the car in front of you to be able go around it in the event of an emergency.”
He said if attacked, drive to your nearest police station or a populated area and contact the police.
“Inform them [the police] of the incident, where it happened, the time it happened and, if possible, give a description of the clothing worn by the suspect.”
Miller and Jooste identified the following hotspots in the east:
- Corner of Delmas Road and Nossob Street
- Nellmapius Drive at the R21 offramp
- Corner of Van Ryneveld Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive
- Corner of Dam and Delmas roads
- Corner of Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive
- Corner of Garsfontein and Philadelphia roads
- Corner of Delfi Avenue and Solomon Mahlangu Drive
- Corner of Wekker Street and De Villebois Mareuil Drive
- Intersection of Garsfontein Road and the N1 highway
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