Cape Town: Data from the Metro Police CCTV network shows that the incidents tend to fluctuate in hotspot areas, vigilance remains key. The City of Cape Town calls on the public to report incidents or threats immediately.
Reportedly, the Metro Police CCTV network detected 215 smash and grab incidents between July 2024 and May 2025. Based on the statistics, most incidents happen in the late afternoon and early evening, frequently increasing over weekends.
The corridor between Bonteheuwel and Langa remained the biggest hotspot. However, in the last few months, other intersections have seen an increase as enforcement efforts force criminals to change their modus operandi.
It was actually based on reports to the Public Emergency Communication Centre, other prominent areas based on the location data included Leonsdale, Beaconvale, the Foreshore, Elsies River Industria, Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that most of the areas with the highest number of reports are in close proximity. Teh trends show that these opportunistic criminals strike when people are perhaps less vigilant after a long day at work and stuck in peak hour traffic. During the weekend they tend to be more relaxed and the odds increase of valuables like shopping bags on backseats.
As per Smith, it is one of the biggest challenges that is nearly impossible to determine the extent of the problem. The CCTV network only detects incidents within the camera footprint, and not all incidents are reported to SAPS i.e. South African Police Service.
The City of Cape Town utilizes CCTV in hotspot areas that have coverage, to monitor suspicious persons and to dispatch resources to investigate where possible.
At times, the resources allow static patrols that are conducted in areas which are particularly problematic. To boost freeway safety there are so many dedicated daily patrols by Metro Police and the Traffic Services’ Highway Unit on the N2, N7, R300 and N1.
Additional deployments are planned for the new financial year, on the N2 and surroundings. The deployment footprint on this route includes the N2 between Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Sir Lowry’s Pass, Baden Powell Drive, Borcherds Quarry and Airport Approach Roads.
According to Smith, Vigilance is the ultimate key. The Metro Police Department conducts education and awareness drives at hotspot locations to alert motorists to the risks and advise them on steps to take to mitigate the risk of being targeted.
JP Smith advised that before setting off on the journey, check that all the valuables are in the boot of the vehicle, and that all the doors are locked, and the windows are closed. Resist distractions like checking your phone while stationary at an intersection, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and keep your wits about you at all times.