Smash-and-grab hotspots flagged as CPF calls for stronger community vigilance

Motorists and residents in the east of Pretoria have been warned to be cautious when approaching intersections especially at night.

This call follows after a smash and grab incident on Simon Vermooten road near the N4 on Thursday night.

Garsfontein CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter warned that the incident at Simon Vermooten is unfortunately not isolated.

“It forms part of a broader pattern of smash-and-grab incidents occurring at high-risk intersections, particularly at robots, near highways, major arterial routes, poorly lit intersections, and areas where vehicles are forced to slow down or stop,” he explained.

Ruyter said public awareness and accurate reporting are critical.

“The more eyes we have on the ground, the better we can guide enforcement and deployment strategies.”

He said when approaching quiet or poorly lit intersection at night, motorists need to be on the look out for individuals loitering between lanes or approaching vehicles on foot.

Crime experts believes that the crime of attacking vehicles at intersections or when stationary is compounded by the existence of informal settlements nearby and poor visibility on the roads.

Ruyter said however the CPF urges everyone to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

“Take note of suspicious behaviour such as people watching traffic instead of crossing roads and if you can immediately report it the police, local CPF structures, or security companies.”

He said the police alone cannot win the fight but the community need to also come to the party.

Ruyter said the CPF is working with other security companies, police, and security forums like Alpha Security Forum.

He said Alpha is actively monitoring known hotspots like Simon Vermooten, and similar intersections. It is also deploying patrols and co-ordinating with security companies, SAPS, and TMPD.

Ruyter urged residents to share intel of any suspicious activities happening.

“We need commuters and residents to act as our eyes and ears because our effectiveness relies heavily on community intel.”

Previously, a well-known crime expert Chris de Kock said that De Villebois Mareuil Drive is a worrying route, especially at night.

He said there are dense bushes next to the road, which makes intersections unsafe as the perpetrators smash [windows], grab your belongings, and run into the bushes.

De Kock said poor visibility at the intersection adds to the problem.

He said in Garsfontein the second most persistent crime after vehicle theft is theft out of motor vehicles, which falls into the smash-and-grab category.

Motorists should also refrain from driving and holding their cellphones or having visible belongings in the car, as this makes them targets.

According to Mike Bolhuis, a specialist senior crime investigator and investigator into serious economic, violent and cybercrimes, smash-and-grabs are persistent in the east.

“Smash-and-grabs in the east have never decreased, it has always been a problem, and motorists must be warned.”

He said it is very difficult to avoid smash-and-grabs as they happen when you least expect it.

“Motorists need to be positively paranoid and always be observant of their environment. Never fiddle with your phone in the intersection, and put valuables in the vehicle.”

He said expensive jewellery also attracts perpetrators.

“The thieves can break your window and grab your earrings. Watches are the biggest attractions.”

Bolhuis said most smash-and-grabs happen next to informal settlements.

“The residents will resort to smash-and-grabbing just to make ends meet. Poverty-stricken communities like those in informal settlements resort to these petty crimes.”

In the east of Pretoria, the Atterbury Road offramp from the N1, the Lynnwood Road offramp on the N1, the Rigel Avenue offramp from the N1, and the intersection of Lynnwood Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Garsfontein.

Caution should also be exercised at the traffic lights along Simon Vermooten Road in Silverton, the corner of Delfi Avenue and Garsfontein Road in Garsfontein, at Simon Vermooten and the N4, and the corner of University and Lynnwood roads in Hatfield.

Be wary along Burnett Street, Hilda Street and the Atterbury Road offramp, In Brooklyn.

In Centurion pay special attention at the John Vorster Drive offramp from the N1 in Lyttelton, the Jean Avenue offramp from the R28 in Centurion, and the R55 in Erasmia.

In the centre of town, be cautious at the traffic lights along Walker Street in Sunnyside, the traffic lights along Nelson Mandela Drive in Sunnyside, and along Nelson Mandela Drive, Duncan Street and Walker Street in Sunnyside.

In the north, be vigilant when driving along Beyers Naude Drive and Paul Kruger Street in Wonderboompoort.

To keep safe, maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front of you, so that you you have an escape route planned.

Stay alert and scanning – don’t fixate on your phone or infotainment system, and avoid stopping too close to pedestrians or individuals approaching vehicles.

When driving late at night, reduce your speed well before reaching an intersection. This ensures that the traffic light will change to green by the time you arrive, reducing the likelihood of stopping in a vulnerable position.

In general, keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving bags, cellphones, briefcases, or other valuables visible inside your vehicle. Store these items securely out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.

Always keep your doors locked and windows closed, and be cautious if people attempt to distract you by tapping on windows or pointing at tyres.

If a Smash-and-Grab Happens, do not resist – your safety comes first, and then leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so.

Ruyter said when reporting a smash and grab incident, try to remember what the suspect looked like, and if any other vehicles were involved. Try to be aware of where the suspect escaped to.

“These incidents thrive on opportunity and distraction. A combination of community awareness and co-ordinated response is key to reducing them,” closed Ruyter.

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