Hijackers and robbers target Arcadia

Car thefts, hijackings, robberies and theft out of motor vehicles are major problems in Arcadia, the local CPF said.

“We are concerned about the increasing levels of crimes in the area,” the sector 2 CPF chairperson, Themba Dindi, told Rekord.

Dindi said criminals were out to rob businesses and individuals of their valuables, hijacking motor vehicles and stealing from motor vehicles.

“A manager of a local supermarket in Steve Biko Road was gunned down by robbers recently,” Dindi said.

He said criminals had robbed people of their cellphones and other valuables along Hamilton Street.

The area between Hamilton and Faure streets is a crime hotspot where hijacking of vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles are commissioned, he said.

A parking lot outside Sterland Mall has also become a popular spot for crime.

“Car thieves normally steal vehicles parked outside the mall.”

READ MORE: Community members play integral role in apprehending suspects

Dindi said crime was also a problem along Francis Baard Street, between Nelson Mandela Drive and Steve Biko Road.

“Criminals rob pedestrians of their valuables such as cellphones and handbags, especially when it is dark.”

He said criminals ran under the bridge and disappeared after committing robberies.

Dindi urged motorists to be extra careful when parking their cars outside Muelmed hospital, as that is also a crime hotspot.

He said on the corner of Leyds and Francis Baard, criminals often rob residents of their cellphones and laptops.

Sterland Mall spokesperson Mohammed Seedat confirmed the theft of motor vehicles was a problem outside the mall.

“We are aware of the problem and are actively trying to eliminate it,” he said.

According to Seedat, the thefts often happened in the evening.

As a result, the mall has intensified its security.

“We have extended guards’ shifts to ensure their visibility.”

In an effort to encourage motorists to use secured underground parking, the mall now has two-hour free parking after 18:00.

He said they were working with law enforcement agencies, and that two suspects had been arrested thus far.

Mediclinic also said it was aware of recent thefts of motor vehicles outside their hospital.

“For this reason, our preferred parking option for visitors is on the hospital premises where vehicles are guarded by security, whether on ground floor or in the basement parking below our hospital,” Mediclinic corporate communication manager Tertia Kruger said in a statement.

Kruger acknowledged that on busy days the hospital’s parking lot reaches it full capacity, which creates a parking space problem.

In an effort to solve these problems, they have implemented a number of measures such as moving staff parking off-site as well as budgeting for further security upgrades such as fencing and upgraded CCTV.

“Our on-site security currently operates a checkpoint for vehicles leaving our basement facility.”

She said they were aware that some patients opt to use parking in neighbouring streets.

“Mediclinic can unfortunately not secure these streets as they are public areas.

“Our patients’ safety is a priority, which is why we have implemented the above measures to secure and improve access to those areas within our control.”

Sunnyside police station declined to comment on the matter.

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