‘Red light’ warning for South African motorists
Motorists in South Africa are being urged to remain vigilant as incidents of smash-and-grab crimes rise at alarming rates, particularly in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
These crimes often occur when vehicles are stationary at red lights or in heavy traffic, making distracted or unprepared drivers easy targets.
Johannesburg has seen a significant uptick in such incidents, especially along Grayston Drive in Sandton.
A notable example was seen following road closures and increased traffic due to events like the recent Red Bull F1 Showrun in September, where opportunistic criminals targeted motorists in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla emphasised the reality of these crimes and the steps being taken to mitigate them.
Officers are conducting both visible and undercover patrols in areas of concern, but the onus remains on drivers to stay alert.
To reduce the risk, motorists are advised to keep their doors locked and windows rolled up, even during brief stops.
Valuables should be stored out of sight, as items like cell phones, handbags, and shopping bags are frequent targets.
Distractions such as using phones or eating should also be avoided, as they can make drivers less aware of their surroundings.
The City of Johannesburg has echoed these warnings, emphasising vigilance as a critical defence against these crimes.
In Cape Town, a similar pattern has emerged.
Between April and September 2024, the City recorded a steady rise in smash-and-grab incidents, with reports climbing from seven in April to 42 in September.
Hotspots in the metro include intersections along Jakes Gerwel Drive, a major route connecting areas such as Mitchells Plain and Acacia Park.
Alderman JP Smith, the City’s mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, highlighted motorists’ vulnerability at intersections, especially when distracted by their phones or personal belongings.
As the festive season approaches, there is concern that criminal activity may increase further.
Limited resources make it challenging to maintain a constant law enforcement presence at all hotspots, and while patrols and surveillance cameras provide some deterrence, prevention ultimately begins with the driver.
Smith urged road users to secure their valuables in their vehicle’s boot, remain vigilant, and be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in known high-risk areas.
Beyond city-level efforts, organisations like Tracker have also issued warnings.
The holiday season, especially around Black Friday and Christmas, presents an opportune time for criminals.
Shoppers eager to secure deals may leave their purchases visible on car seats, turning their vehicles into prime targets.
While law enforcement and community awareness initiatives are in place, the unpredictable nature of these opportunistic crimes underscores the importance of individual vigilance.
Smash-and-grab incidents typically involve perpetrators breaking vehicle windows to snatch valuables quickly before fleeing.
These differ from “theft out of motor vehicles,” which often involve items taken from open windows or unsecured vehicle storage areas.
Both types of crime exploit moments of inattention, making alertness the first line of defence.
Metro officers in Cape Town recently conducted awareness drives along major routes like the N2 and Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Surveillance technology is also being used to detect suspicious behaviour and alert authorities, though criminals frequently disappear before officers arrive. However, the reality remains that no system is foolproof.
As South African roads become busier during the holiday season, the risk of falling victim to smash-and-grab crimes increases.
Motorists across the country are reminded to take simple but effective precautions: lock your doors, avoid displaying valuables, and stay attentive, especially in traffic or at intersections.
With proactive behaviour and heightened awareness, drivers can significantly reduce their vulnerability and ensure a safer journey during this bustling time of year.
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