Smash and grab incidents worry police
Gaborone West police have expressed concern over the rising cases of motor vehicle breaking and theft in the area. The incidents are mostly prevalent along the Block 5 road along the Tlotlo Conference Centre, Botswana Television (Btv) circle, Phase 2 near Rasmatazz Bar, Block 9 near Bonanza shopping complex and at Block 6 by the Learning Centre speed humps.
In an interview with Mmegi, Gaborone West police station commander, superintendent Knight Moalosi said motorists in his policing area are living in constant fear and no longer enjoy the comfort of their vehicles. He stated that the crime hotspots are always dotted with a group of men walking by the roadside or waiting by the traffic lights or junctions in order to deprive motorists of their valuables. During the period January to date, the police recorded 45 cases of breaking into motor vehicles. He said the petty thieves who are mostly unemployed young men in their 20s and early 30s, pounce on victims usually late in the evenings and at night when approaching speed humps, traffic lights and junctions. He said the criminals usually go around in possession of knives, scissors amongst other weapons, which they use to threaten their victims.
“These criminals break car windows at the traffic lights, speed humps, junctions and steal people’s valuables like cellphones, laptops and money. At times they even steal during the day,” he said.
He said usually the said criminals break car windows with stones, pounce on victims, threaten them with sharp objects, steal their valuables and their hard earned money. Thereafter, Moalosi said the criminals run to hide in Gaborone West, as they know where to run for safety and to enjoy their loot in peace.
Moalosi added that pedestrians are also not safe either as they are mugged or robbed in areas adjacent to Gaborone West. Furthermore, the police boss stated that the criminals also have the habit of targeting women passengers, snatch their handbags through a combi window or when walking home after alighting public transport. He stated that people’s lives are in danger as they are being harassed by the thieves day and night threatening them with sharp objects like knives.
Moalosi said the police are working hard to mitigate the escalating crime by working closely with clusters, hence engaging residents.
He stated that the police have since stepped up patrols at the hot spots and warned residents especially motorists to be more vigilant and cautious at all times.
“Ever since we intensified patrols at the hotspots, these crime incidents have gradually reduced. Despite the police being always on patrols, the criminals always find their way,” he said.
He advised members of the community to hand over the money or anything to the criminals without resistance to avoid the risk of fatalities. He however, vowed that the police will not give up and instead they will intensify their patrols to curb the spite in criminal activities in the area.