Elsies mense launch war on smash-and-grabs

Community organisations, businesses, and local safety structures in Elsies River have launched a smash-and-grab awareness campaign in response to rising concerns over opportunistic crime.

The initiative, led by the Inspire Network with sponsorship from Wholesun Bakery, aims to address the increased risk posed by prolonged roadworks and traffic congestion, which organisers warn create ideal conditions for criminals to target distracted motorists.

Supported by the Elsies River Safety Initiative and the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition, the campaign aims to educate drivers about risks at identified hotspots and promote practical safety measures.

At the launch, ward councillor Beverley Van Reenen urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, patience, and vigilance when navigating areas affected by roadworks or heavy traffic.

She said: “We must remain alert to protect ourselves and our vehicles.”

Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Marius Fourie said ongoing roadworks was a key concern.

He added: “The protracted roadworks on 35th Avenue in Elsies River are extremely disruptive and create a prime opportunity for criminals to exploit trapped or slowed motorists. An incident takes only a split second to occur. We call for improved safety planning around such sites.”

Charmen Gribi from the Inspire Network highlighted driver behaviour as a contributing factor.

She said: “We see motorists distracted on cell phones while driving through these vulnerable zones. This makes them easy targets. We cannot caution motorist enough: roll up your windows, lock your doors, and ensure no valuables – phones, bags, laptops – are visible inside the vehicle.”

Chief Hamish Arries of the Elsies River Safety Initiative linked smash-and-grab incidents to broader community harm.

He warned: “Every phone snatched isn’t just a theft; it fuels the violence devastating our communities. These items are sold to finance guns and bullets, which are killing our children and perpetuating the mayhem and gang wars on the Cape Flats.”

Wholesun Bakery representative Shamiel Bailey criticised delays in construction projects. 

Bailey hit out, saying: “Our concern is with the contractors working for the City of Cape Town. Taking two months to fix half a kilometre of road is, frankly, ridiculous. The disruption caused to businesses, motorists, and the local economy due to poor planning and execution is incalculable. While roadworks are necessary, they must be planned and executed efficiently, with the safety of road users as the paramount concern.”

According to SAPS crime statistics for the July to September 2025 period, the Elsies River police station recorded 316 cases of theft out of or from motor vehicles, up from 273 cases during the same period last year. Over the same three months, the station recorded 37 cases of common robbery and 76 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Separately, police are investigating an unrelated incident reported over the weekend in which an elderly deaf couple was allegedly assaulted after their vehicle broke down on the N1 between Canal Walk and the M5 off-ramp near Ysterplaat.

Law Enforcement spokesperson Inspector Wayne Dyason said smash-and-grab crimes were opportunistic and not confined to a single area.