The City of Cape Town wants you to be alert when driving.

And they aren’t talking about not driving drunk – although you shouldn’t do that anyway, because it could land you in jail for seven days and potentially get you fired, and you might end up causing someone or yourself harm.

The City also wants you to be on the lookout for opportunistic criminals when you’re on the roads.

In a statement released on Tuesday (December 11), the City said that there were four intersections notorious for smash-and-grab crimes and theft out of motor vehicles in Cape Town, reports BusinessTech.

Jakes Gerwel Drive has the dubious distinction of being a known hotspot for smash-and-grab crimes.

Of the 143 smash-and-grab incidents or attempts recorded by CCTV operators, nearly 90% (126) occurred between the N2 off-ramp to Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue into Bonteheuwel. There were four arrests during the period in review.

In Bishop Lavis, the intersection of Robert Sobukwe Road and 35th Avenue has also become known for theft out of motor vehicles.

Criminals target motorists whose windows are open or whose doors are unlocked. They then reach into the vehicle and take whatever valuables they can reach.

There was a total of 120 incidents of this recorded between May and October 2018.

In October, due to an initiative implemented by two local police stations and the City, incidents dropped to zero in Bishop Lavis.

This proves that increased security can go a long way to limit the crime happening at intersections, but the police do not have the resources to implement a constant police presence.

Until the City can come up with a more permanent solution to the smash-and-grab problem, they’re encouraging motorists to do the following to stay safe:

• Keep valuables out of sight in the boot or underneath the seat;
• Lock all your doors, and close all windows;
• When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you will only reach the crossing when the light has already turned green. Be cautious, be vigilant, and know your surroundings;
• Be wary of people loitering about at traffic lights or intersections. They may be innocent, but perpetrators usually mix with them while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
• Be alert, and do not take pamphlets from or get into discussions with vendors at intersections;
• Smash-and-grab incidents can be reported to the nearest police station or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.

Heed that advice and stay safe.

[source:businesstech]