Cape Town Central police have once again cautioned motorists to make sure their vehicles are locked before walking away.
This follows the arrest of three car jammers on the corner of Church and Loop streets on Wednesday 7 September.
The suspects were stopped in their tracks by vigilant safety and security members attached to the Cape Town Central Improvement District (CCID).
Gary Dyssel, CCID Night Manager, says while doing his routine checks on Wednesday at about 19:12 he became suspicious when he saw three men lingering on the corner of Bree and Longmarket streets.
Dyssel explains that he kept an eye on them and called for back-up.
Moments later, one of the three men walked across the road and hid something inside the small parking area near Church Street.
Dyssel says: “He then came out from the parking area and signalled something to his friend who walked up to this white Toyota Hilux, opened its door, and removed a blue sleeveless bomber jacket and a small handbag before making their way towards Church Street. We managed to corner them on the corner of Church and Loop streets and found all the suspected stolen items and a remote jamming device.”
Capt Ezra October, spokesperson for the Cape Town Central Police Station, confirmed the arrest and says the perpetrators face charges of possession car breaking implements- “electronic devices alarm remotes”.
October says: “These criminals operate as a syndicate groups and uses electronic devices alarm remotes devices to break into vehicles in the CBD, we’ve recently noticed a slight increase within the CBD.”
The officer says motorist should:
- Always lock your doors manually and double check the handles to avoid remote jamming.
- Keep their valuables out of sight –put them in the boot before you start your trip.
- Be aware of their surroundings- when pulling into parking spaces.
- Avoid displaying valuables, such as handbags, cellphone accessories or laptops on their car seats.
- Always be vigilant.
All three suspects were arrested after police and law enforcement were called for back-up.
The City’s CCTV Cyclops Unit was also called and successfully located the vehicle owner.
Dyssel says when the owner arrived, he found his car door unlocked but couldn’t identify the jacket or the grey handbag which “we found had illegal substances inside at the station”.
The Cape Town Central policing precinct recorded increases in a number of crime categories in the latest quarterly statistics.
Common robbery saw a 61,4% increase from 158 between April and June in 2021 to 255 over the same period this year.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased by 87,5% and assault grievous bodily harm (GBH) increased by 21,7%.
October says Cape Town Central Police in partnership with law enforcement and CCID have launched daily intelligence operations and awareness campaigns to curb these crimes.
