It is suspected that these criminals use the highway as an easy getaway route, and because motorists on the ramps can’t manoeuvre, it makes them easy targets.
The criminals’ modus operandi revolves around moving through peak hour traffic and scouting for unsuspecting motorists who may keep valuables like handbags, wallets or laptops on passenger or back seats. There also seem to be an increasing trend of grabbing cellphones, either through open windows or in severe cases, by smashing windows.
The following are tweets by local residents regarding their experiences:
https://twitter.com/nyxford/status/595252843222835200
@PigSpotter Group of 4 guys smash and grabbing on William Nicol off-ramp, hitting numerous cars at one time.
— Andrea Klinkenberg-Meyer (@AndyWandy) April 27, 2015
@LFVillage Smash and Grabbers along Main Rd by Sangster Rd. Please be on the lookout! @Fourways_Review @DouglasdaleCPF @RSSSecurity
— Magaliessig Fourways (@Magaliessiginfo) April 15, 2015
"@TwistedWineGuy: very dodgy characters at offramp N1S at William Nicol. Checking every car. Defs smash n grabbers. #BeAware"
— PigSpotter™ Pty Ltd (@PigSpotter) May 5, 2015
Officials at both Douglasdale Police Station and Gauteng Provincial Police stated that they had not received any reports of an increase in this type of crime, as many people often do not report them.
Safety initiative, Arrive Alive, released the following advice on avoiding smash and grabs:
- Keep all your valuables locked in your boot
- Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving. Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers
- Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers
- Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious characters
- Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle
- Be wary of people standing at intersections
- If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them, immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction
- Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape if you need to
- Even if it was only an attempt and not an actual smash and grab, report it to police. This makes it easier for them to establish patterns, thus enabling them to catch the perpetrators.
Have you experienced any instances of smash and grabs in Fourways? If so, were the police helpful when you reported it at your local station? Share your experiences in the comments section below
