![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2014/04/HIJACK.jpg)
The Germiston SAPS are growing increasingly concerned about the increase in smash-and-grab cases being reported.
The police, therefore, appeal to drivers, especially women drivers, to help prevent these incidents by not placing any valuable items and/or handbags on the front seat or inside the vehicle where they are easily seen.
“If would-be-criminals can see that there is a handbag and/or valuable item in the car and within reach they are more likely to commit these types of crimes,” said spokesman for the Germiston police, WO André de Jager..
“The theft will happen in a matter of seconds.
“Drivers must be aware of people loitering around traffic signs or traffic lights, as the culprits of these crimes often wait at these points for an opportunity to strike.”
The community is asked to take extra care in the following hot-spots identified by the Germiston police:
q corner of Jack and Refinery roads;
q corner of Johann Rissik and Junction roads;
q corner of Lower Boksburg and Simon Bekker roads;
q corner of Knights and Lower Boksburg roads;
q the N17 highway’s on and off-ramps;
q corner of Power and Refinery roads
“The Germiston SAPS’s appeal is simple: don’t be next, take charge of your own safety and don’t give would-be criminals an opportunity or reason to strike,” added de Jager.