East red-light robbers target women
The crimes are not concentrated in one area but female drivers are targeted.
The Brooklyn police have increased patrols and observation duties at intersections identified as red-light robbery hotspots.
Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said at least three red-light robberies were reported in the past two weeks.
“These crimes were scattered and were not concentrated in one area and female drivers were targeted,” said Weilbach.
“On 6 August at about 22:45, a 40-year-old woman stopped at a traffic light at the corner of Justice Mohammed and University roads in Bailey’s Muckleneuk.”
“Her cellphone was on the passenger seat and her handbag on the floor.
“Suddenly her window was smashed and her handbag and cellphone were taken.”
On 14 August at about 20:30, a 34-year-old woman stopped at the traffic light on the corner of Garsfontein Road and the N1 off-ramp.
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“An unknown man smashed the driver’s window. She immediately drove away before he could take anything.”
She said on Thursday morning at 05:20, a 50-year-old woman stopped at the traffic light on the corner of Atterbury Road and Lois Avenue in Menlyn.
“An unknown man broke her passenger window and took her handbag that was on the floor.
Weilbach said motorists are requested to assist the police as red-light robberies can be prevented through heeding basic precautionary measures.
“Car floors, dashboards and seats are not safe places to leave valuables. Any visible loose items inside a vehicle create an opportunity for would-be criminals to commit a crime.”
“The boot of the vehicle is a safer option, therefore: Boot it or lose it!”
Weilbach said motorists must always be conscious of their surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection.
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“Broken glass on the road can be an indication that the intersection is a red-light robbery spot.
“If it is late at night, it is advisable to slow down well in advance so that the light changes green by the time you reach the intersection. Leave a window only slightly open.”
Weilbach said this would provide some resilience if it is struck.
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