Brooklyn has experienced a rise in robberies at traffic lights with eight reported in the past two weeks.
Criminals target drivers who have their windows open at traffic lights.
As soon as the light turns red, the criminals advance to the vehicle and grab any valuable items through the window.
Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said the crimes did not happen in the same areas and warned motorists to be vigilant.
“Both male and female drivers were targeted. Although there are no specific time frames to these crimes, most occurred after 21:00,” she explained.
Weilbach said the robbers selected intersections where they could make a fast getaway.
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She suggested motorists hide their valuables such as handbags and laptops to reduce the chances of becoming targeted.
“Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items. The boot of the vehicle is the safest place for valuables, therefore; boot it or lose it,” she said.
Late at night, motorists are advised to slow down well in advance of a red light so that the light turns green by the time they reach the intersection and to leave windows only slightly open.
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“Broken glass on the road can be an indication that the intersection is a red-light robbery spot and drivers should be careful,” she said.
The following intersections were targeted in the past two weeks: Atterbury Road and January Masilela Drive, Lynnwood Avenue and Meiring Naude Road, Atterbury and the N1, Justice Mohammed and Jan Shoba streets, Selati Street and Garsfontein Road, N1 and Garsfontein, and the R21 and Elephant Road.
“Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle,” Weilbach warned.
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