Motorists urged to prevent �smash and grab� incidents
Mpho Mokwape | Thursday October 9, 2014 15:03
Motorists have been urged to be extra vigilant.
“Motorists should always be vigilant when approaching and stopping at traffic lights, or in slow moving traffic. They should also be wary of people loitering around,” advised Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Chris Mbulawa.
He noted that criminals often target people who do not pay much attention while on the road, leave their valuables visibly lying around or talk on their cellphones while driving.
Police statistics indicate that in 2013 alone, 218 people were attacked at traffic lights. This year, police have recorded 144 cases so far.
The northern parts of the city appear to be smash and grab hotspots.
Police recorded 208 incidents at the Broadhurst traffic lights area alone, in 2013. Airport Junction and Total Filling Station traffic lights had 58 and 68 incidents while Sebele and Gaborone Private Hospital traffic lights recorded 29 and 11 respectively.
The thieves often strike unexpectedly and slither into darkness or foliage.
In some of the cases, vehicle drivers or other occupants have been injured in scuffles with criminals.
These felons target less vigilant drivers and those who would be closed in by a pavement, bridge or another car leaving them unable to take off in danger, should they strike.
Motorists have been advised to always ensure their valuables such as laptops, cellphones or money are tucked away from open view.
“People should also lock their doors and keep a safe distance from the car in front of them, not only to find space to pull off if attacked, but avoid bumping into the other car when the thugs smash your window,” said Mbulawa.
Other traffic lights which should be paid caution and vigilance, include Old Naledi, Segoditshane, Bokamoso, the Nelson Mandela/Molepolole road intersection, Motor Center and Kia along the Old Lobatse-Kudumatse road, Orapa House, Willie Seboni-wew Lobatse road (commonly known as Maharaja flyover), Gulf Motors - as you enter Tlokweng -Old Lobatse-Nelson Mandela road, the BURS intersection, Kudumatse Drive, and the traffic lights by the Seabelo building.