In a proactive effort to address rising concerns over car hijackings, the Sandton SAPS, in collaboration with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and local stakeholders, conducted a community engagement activation on August 22 at Woodmead Retail Park.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and provide practical tips to enhance community safety in the area.
It provided an opportunity for residents and shoppers to engage directly with law enforcement and CPF representatives, ask questions, share their concerns, and receive guidance on personal safety practices and reporting procedures.
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Captain Bheki Xulu, emphasised the alarming increase in car hijackings plaguing the vicinity, particularly affecting shoppers and community members frequenting Woodmead Retail Park and Value Mart. He said hijackers were targeting Toyota Hilux’s, Ford Rangers and Fortuners.
He said other crimes on the rise were theft of and out of a vehicle. Criminals jammed car locking systems, thereby deceiving vehicle owners into leaving their cars unlocked.
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“Community vigilance and proactive measures are crucial,” urged Xulu. “We advise shoppers and residents to manually check their car doors by attempting to open them after locking to ensure they are not susceptible to this jamming technique.”
Silas Nozwane, the retail centre security manager, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such engagements raise awareness and strengthen community bonds and resilience against criminal activities.
“It is reassuring to see SAPS and CPF taking proactive steps to address our safety concerns as we are facing difficult situations here at the park and the surrounding areas,” he said.
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