Cape Town - Crime fighters in Table View and Milnerton areas have alerted motorists to smash-and-grabbers prowling the N7 highway for their next target, after footage of the brazen attacks was shared this week.
The shocking footage obtained by a drone in the vicinity of the Malibongwe Drive interchange shows how the thieves appear to be unconcerned that they are being watched.
In the clip, which is nearly seven minutes long, a suspect wearing a bright red jacket and cap is seen walking along the highway as motorists wait for the congestion to clear.
The man is seen smashing the window of one vehicle but, after seemingly not managing to steal anything, he crosses the highway and hides in Dunoon, where he is joined by a second accomplice, and simply returns to look for his next victim.
The duo then smash the window of a second vehicle, but the motorist quickly speeds away as the thieves are nearly hit by other vehicles.
David Harris of the Table View Community Policing Forum (CPF) said the footage was shared with Milnerton police in an attempt to provide intelligence on the identity of the thieves.
“The incident was recorded by a drone by our safety forum due to the ongoing attacks and was recorded on Tuesday. The footage was given to the station commander of Milnerton SAPS as the N7 forms part of the precinct. Many motorists using the N7 to access Table View and surrounding suburbs have become victims.
“The footage serves to remind motorists to be careful and not leave valuables visible in their cars, to avoid becoming a victim,” Harris said.
Mark Lindsell of the Milnerton CPF confirmed that they were aware of the footage and said the area had become a hot spot for attacks on motorists.
“The CPF acknowledged that it is a hot spot and this type of violent crime is unacceptable. The longer this behaviour is condoned by local communities, the worse it will become.
“In addition motorists should be educated not to leave valuables in sight, as it offers criminals opportunities they would not otherwise have.
Criminals obviously have weighed up the benefits versus the potential consequences and are having a ball because of no consequences.”
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed that the incident was reported and said: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. According to reports, the complainant, a male aged 28, was static inside his motor vehicle at a traffic intersection in Malibongwe Drive, Dunoon in Milnerton on Tuesday at around 5.45pm when an unknown man approached his vehicle and smashed the window.
“The complainant sped away from the scene and reported the incident to Milnerton police for further investigation.
“We can confirm that Milnerton police registered an attempted theft out of a motor vehicle for further investigation.
“The suspect fled the scene and he is yet to be arrested.”
Cape Argus