The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, has pleaded with motorists to keep their valuables out of sight when driving.
This comes after recent reports of smash-and-grab cases in and around Bedfordview.
Sgt Nhlabathi said the corner of Van der Linde and Van Buuren roads, as well as the Boeing Road East and Van der Linde Road intersection, were among the problematic hot-spots in the area during peak hour traffic.
“Van Buuren Road on and off ramps are also problematic areas and we urge our residents to make sure all valuable items are out of sight at all times,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
He said police officers are investigating two cases of theft out of motor vehicles, both reported on January 27.
“In one of the cases, the victim, who is female, reported that while stopping at a traffic light on Van Buuren Road, a man walk past her car. Shortly thereafter, she heard a loud bang. She said she was shocked when a different man tried to grab a necklace she was wearing. When he failed, the suspect grabbed her cellular phone which was on her lap,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
The cellular phone was estimated to be worth R10 000.
Sgt Nhlabathi said the second case was reported by a motorist driving on Boeing Road East.
“The second victim, also a woman, said she was sitting in slow moving traffic when a man approached her car. He smashed one of her windows and grabbed her handbag, which had items to the value of R150 000 inside it,” he said.
The items stolen included three cellular phones, sunglasses, bank cards and R3 000.
Sgt Nhlabathi said, “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for motorists to keep items locked in the boot. This simple precaution can save your life and that of your family.”
The station commander, Colonel Sevha Shiburi, has warned of a new modus operandi used by criminals to get into people’s homes.
“The suspects target homes during the mornings of the so-called dustbin days. People are usually relaxed during these days and they leave their gates unlocked until municipal workers have taken the refuse. People must remain vigilant at all times, as we have cases now from homes that were targeted and hit in this manner,” said Col Shiburi.
