A VIDEO of an attempted smash-and-grab on Tollgate Bridge which was captured on a dash cam last week went viral, reinforcing the need for motorists to be aware of their surroundings while driving.
The video clip showed a vehicle stopping at a red traffic light on the bridge. A man walks past the vehicle on the passenger side, while another tries to smash the driver’s window. After the driver moved the vehicle forward, the attacker and the other man are seen apologising to the motorist.
Speaking on the incident, Heather Roos, chairperson of the Umbilo CPF, said the incident happened on 9 March at 5.45pm.
“This has been taken up with Umbilo SAPS and Umbilo CPF and we are taking this very seriously. The problem with this is that the beggars involved in these incidents hide when they see Metro Police or SAPS vehicles. They are definitely hanging around in the area and making out that they are begging at the robots,” she said.
Col John Romer from Umbilo SAPS said the police are monitoring the situation.
“We are taking this seriously and are working on the problem. We find that people are not reporting attempted smash-and-grabs. We urge motorists that if they are involved in any incidents of crime on the bridge, that they contact Umbilo SAPS as officers have been tasked to assist,” he said.
Roos urged residents to report crime and said whatever is reported to the CPF or on social media groups and pages is being taken to Umbilo SAPS for attention.
“Motorists are also urged to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and not to have any valuables visible. Don’t drive with car windows open in this area or any other hotspot areas, and report all incidents,” she said. Motorists are also urged not to support beggars.
Contact Metro Police on 031 361 0000 or the police on 10111.
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