CROWN MINES – Stuck in a long queue of stationary vehicles, a resident from Winchester Hills became the victim of a smash-and-grab, in which R5 000 was stolen.
She was attacked on Crownwood Road while on her way to China Mall. There was a long queue of cars, starting from the Soweto Highway, waiting to pass through the narrow bridge leading to Crown Mines.
“I was stuck in the queue, when one of the men lingering around asked me to move forward. He was actually looking to see what was in my car. I had just been to withdraw R5 000, which was in my handbag, with my ID, driver’s license and bank cards,” said the distraught victim.
Within minutes, two JMPD officers responded to a call for help.
Lorraine van Emmerik, Booysens SAPS communications officer, said that crime levels are reported to be extremely high at the bridge in question.
“There is a major concern at the bridge and numerous meeting have been conducted with businesses around the area concerning the matter. The area around the road is very dense, which makes it easy for the criminals to hide away,” said van Emmerick.
“As part of crime control measures, Booysens SAPS, along with JMPD, do visible policing around the area, Langlaagte Police Station also assists with patrols in the area on their side of the bridge. It is often that you see a mini roadblock taking place,” van Emmerick concluded.
