Cape Town saw a 64% increase in smash-and-grabs during November and December, with incidents of this nature increasing from 22 in 2022 to 36 in 2023.
Moreover, CCTV footage detected 100 instances where individuals appeared to be “casing out” potential targets, compared to just 41 the previous year.
“The increase in the number of proverbial window shopping incidents is of interest. We know that smash-and-grabs are crimes of opportunity, and the statistics suggest that smash-and-grab criminals are not letting up,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
“It does also suggest, however, that the opportunities are decreasing, likely as more road users are implementing the safety guidelines about hiding valuables.”
The City said four intersections along the infamous 24km Jakes Gerwel Drive have been identified as the main hotspots for these crimes.
These intersections are:
- Bluegum
- Bofors
- Jakkalsvlei
- N2
While officers will be stationed at these locations in an attempt to deter criminals, Smith highlights that they can’t be everywhere at all times and motorists must remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of smash-and-grabs.
“Criminals will take the chance if presented, so make sure you don’t provide that opportunity,” said Smith.
Jakes Gerwel Drive
Easy targets
Smith said many Cape Town motorists still neglect to take necessary safety precautions and are therefore easy targets to opportunistic criminals.
“During a recent awareness drive by our Metro Police Department, officers found many drivers and passengers openly displaying their valuables. Some even had their bags or phones on their laps,” he said.
“Even more disconcerting is when this was pointed out to them, officers were told not to concern themselves with the valuables of others.”
Smith noted that there is only so much that law enforcement can do to avoid smash-and-grabs and that motorists must also take responsibility for their own safety on the road.
“We want to halt a crime that deprives people of their hard earned and prized possessions; and spare them the trauma of being victims,” he said.
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