Wynberg police are reminding residents not to expose their valuables in public or in parked cars as there has been an increase in muggings and theft out of motor vehicles.
The hot spots are in Wynberg CBD, Main Road, Station Road, at railway stations and subways and public parking areas.
Captain Silvino Davids, the sector commander for Wynberg East, said two people were arrested at Wittebome station for muggings on Friday December 2.
He said several people had been robbed of their handbags and cellphones at the station. Ottery Road was another mugging “hot spot”, he said.
“We want people to be more vigilant,” Captain Davids said. “Keep your phones hidden.”
● Last week, police arrested several people on drug-related charges after multiple stop-and-searches in Station and Broad roads, Captain Davids said.
Several people were arrested with possession of dagga, tik and mandrax. The biggest bust was on Wednesday December 7. “Two officers noticed a vehicle in Church Street with funny looking characters inside,” Captain Davids said.
“They pulled the vehicle over and searched the guys.” The officers found a large bag of tik with an estimated street value of R15 000 and arrested the men.”
● There was a business robbery in Ottery Road on Friday December 2. According to Captain Davids, the robbers threatened one of the customers with a knife before fleeing.
“Community members gave chase,” he said, adding that the man was caught and arrested but his accomplices in the nearby getaway vehicle evaded capture. “He was detained here and has already appeared in court,” Captain Davids said.
● Broad Road has seen an increase in theft out of motor vehicles in recent weeks, Captain Davids said.
“People are still leaving bags and cellphones visible in their vehicles,” Captain Davids said. “It shouldn’t be visible at all.”
Captain Davids also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities or persons to the police for investigation. “Report anything that is suspicious,” he said, “so that we can act on it.”