Barbara Rd Bridge still a concern for SAPS
“Criminals who operate in the area typically target motorists who drive with their windows open or with their doors unlocked.”
Four intersections in the Isandovale area were identified as key smash-and-grab and theft-out-of-motor-vehicle zones by Edenvale SAPS.
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In light of this, Edenvale Police Station communications officer Sgt Jacob Mashile advised motorists to exercise caution when travelling in the area.
“The intersections near Barbara Road Bridge are notorious smash-and-grab hotspots,” said Mashile.
“The number of incidents recorded between July and November 2021 matched those recorded in 2020.”
Mashile said the area in question includes an intersection that falls in the policing precincts of the Edenvale Sebenza, Bedfordview and Kempton Park police stations.
“Criminals who operate in the area typically target motorists who drive with their windows open or with their doors unlocked,” said Mashile.
“They will grab and take cellphones and other visible valuables within reach.”
Mashile said between July and November, numerous cases of common robbery were reported to the station.
He said, “Edenvale SAPS, EMPD together with their stakeholders have helped to drastically reduce the number of these incidents at the Barbara Road off-ramp.”
Mashile said Edenvale SAPS believes and hopes that installing surveillance cameras in the area will improve security and safety in the area.
Edenvale Police Station’s acting station commander Lt-Col Eunice Nzuza and the station’s Visible Policing commander Lt-Col France Marweshe said although police and stakeholders are working together to combat crime, they highlighted the need for the public to play their role in preventing common robberies and smash and grabs.
The two Lt-Cols urged motorists to be mindful at all times, as smash-and-grab-related crimes are opportunistic in nature.
Community members are encouraged to use the following preventative tips:
• Keep all valuables in your car out of sight
• Place valuable in your boot or underneath the seats
• When approaching an intersection, ensure your car windows are closed and doors are locked
• When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that when you reach the intersection, the traffic light has already turned green
• Be cautious and vigilant of people loitering at traffic lights or intersections
• Avoid interacting with vendors at intersections
Crimes can be reported to 10111 or 08600 10111 (crime stop).
Alternatively, phone 011 553 8600 (Edenvale Police Station), 011 400 6000 (Sebenza Police Station), 011 457 2299 (Bedfordview Police Station) and 011 393 8600 (Kempton Park Police Station).
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