Smash-and-grab warning for uMhlanga drivers

WITH the festive season in full swing, police have warned motorists to be especially vigilant as there has been a spike in smash-and-grab incidents on the N2/M41 (coming off the N2 heading towards Gateway). Three cases were reported this week alone. While this is the first incident since August, it is the tenth so far this year, on the same stretch of road.

All three of this week’s incidents have occurred at 8pm.

The off-ramp which is currently under construction has provided easy access and a handy getaway for the thieves.

“They target mainly female motorists who sit in traffic on the off-ramps. There is nowhere to go. They smash the window and steal the motorist’s belongings before running through the construction site. They plan their getaway before they plan the crime,” Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North station said.

Two of last weeks incidents involved female motorists’ handbags being stolen from the front passenger seat, while the third involved a male motorist.

“The man says he saw a suspicious individual moving towards his car. The smash-and-grab thief then slammed into the front passenger window. The driver managed to drive off before any items were stolen.

“We are again appealing to motorists not to leave goods lying on the seats of their cars and to be extremely vigilant when driving through the area. Hide your valuables. Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items. If you can’t take valuable items with you, hide them out of sight in your trunk,” he urged.

Related articles

Increase in smash-and-grab incidents

Women targeted by smash-and-grab thugs