Drivers beware
SANDTON – The Sandton Community Police Forum has become increasingly concerned about an increase in smash and grab incidences.
Certain intersections in the Sandton area have been labeled as crime hotspots.
The Sandton Community Police Forum (CPF) has issued a public warning with regards to smash-and-grab incidents at Sandton Drive and William Nichol Drive, Republic Road and William Nichol Drive, William Nichol Drive and Main Road, Main Road and Sloane Avenue, Main Road and Robin Road, Main Road and Witkoppen Drive, Witkoppen Drive and Cambridge Road, Witkoppen Drive and Rivonia Road, Witkoppen Drive and Bowling Avenue, and Bowling Avenue and South Road.
Anthony Modena, the chairman of the Sandton CPF said, “A number of incidents have occurred at intersections in and around Sandton where bags, briefcases, laptops and cellphones have been snatched out of motor vehicles while stopped at traffic junctions.”
He explained that it has transpired that a significant number of these are happening after dark when the light emitted from active cellphone screens can be seen for some distance. “We would also like to remind our community of the necessity to advise Saps of the loss or theft of cellphones as required by the Rica Act, Act 70 of 2002.”
Kate Wardle, deputy chairperson of the Parkmore community association said, “We have noticed in our area that the most vulnerable time is between 6pm and 8pm in the evenings, as commuters are leaving work and night is falling.”
She added that, typically, people are on their phones using WhatsApp, which means they are highly visible in the dark. “Often their windows are down and they are not aware of their surroundings.
“Women on their own are particularly targeted for their phones.”
She urged residents to please put their handbags in the boot and stressed, “Do not use your phones at all through the intersections as using your phone in the car is, in any event, illegal. Obey the law and protect yourself at the same time.”
She concluded by explaining that although these incidences are described as smash-and-grabs, in many cases, the suspect knocks on the window of the victim’s car with a gun and demands valuable possessions.
