Look out for these smash-and-grab hotspots in Pretoria
Smash-and-grabs can happen anywhere, often when you least expect it, but you might want to be extra vigilant at these hotspots...
Motorists in Pretoria have been warned to be extra vigilant when driving after numerous reports of theft and smash-and-grab incidents.
According to Pretoria Rekord, experts believe that these incidents are especially prevalent at intersections or where stationary vehicles are compounded by informal settlements and poor visibility on the roads.
Crime expert Chris de Kock confirmed that poor visibility led to more crime activity.
For example, the corner of De Villebois Mareuil Drive was a worrying route, especially at night due to poor visibility.
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"There are dense bushes next to the road, which makes the intersection unsafe as the perpetrators smash [windows], grab your belongings and run into the bushes."
After information was gathered from crime experts, investigators, and ward counsellors, Pretoria Rekord compiled this list of smash-and-grab hotspots in Pretoria:
- The Atterbury Road offramp from the N1 in Menlyn
- Lynnwood Road offramp on the N1
- John Vorster Drive offramp from the N1 in Lyttelton
- Jean Avenue offramp from the R28 in Centurion
- Rigel Avenue offramp from the N1 in Erasmuskloof
- Corner of University and Lynnwood roads in Hatfield
- The traffic lights along Walker Street in Sunnyside
- Intersection of Lynnwood Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Garsfontein
- The traffic lights along Nelson Mandela Drive in Sunnyside
- The traffic lights along Simon Vermooten Road in Silverton
- Along Beyers Naude Drive and Paul Kruger Street in Wonderboompoort
- Nelson Mandela Drive, Duncan Street and Walker Street in Sunnyside
- The R55 in Erasmia
- Burnett Street, Hilda Street and the Atterbury Road offramp in the Brooklyn area
- The corner of Delfi Avenue and Garsfontein Road in Garsfontein
- At Simon Vermooten and the N4
Specialist Crime investigator Mike Bolhuis said that smash-and-grab crimes have been persistent in the east of Pretoria.
"Smash-and-grabs in the east have never decreased, it has always been a problem and motorists must be warned. Motorists need to be positively paranoid and always be observant of their environment. Never fiddle with your phone in the intersection, and put valuables in the vehicle," he warned.
Bolhuis added that expensive jewellery also attracted criminals.
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CSI Security operating in Pretoria urged motorists to be extra vigilant when approaching intersections, especially at night.
Here are a few safety tips you could follow:
- Lock your doors and close your windows: Be extra sure not to open windows or doors for strangers, as this can make you vulnerable to crime.
- Stay vigilant: Continuously monitor your surroundings for suspicious individuals or activities. Being aware of your environment can help you spot potential threats early.
- Exercise caution at intersections: Be particularly wary of people standing at or near intersections. These locations can be hotspots for criminal activities, so approach them with caution and be prepared to move if necessary.
- Handle road obstacles wisely: If you encounter obstacles like rocks or tyres on the road, do not exit your vehicle to remove them. Instead, reverse carefully and drive away from the area to avoid possible dangers.
- Slow down at night: When driving late at night, reduce your speed well before reaching an intersection. This ensures that the traffic light will change to green by the time you arrive, reducing the likelihood of stopping in a vulnerable position.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving bags, cellphones, briefcases, or other valuables visible inside your vehicle. Store these items securely out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.
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