Table View police warn of rising robbery incidents

Table View police chief Colonel Tjikamba Mbangu has issued a call for heightened vigilance from residents following a recent increase in robberies within the community.

This appeal comes after an early morning visibility operation in which Colonel Mbangu observed several pedestrians walking distractedly while using cellphones or wearing headphones - behaviours that make individuals vulnerable to opportunistic criminals, he said.

“These distractions reduce your awareness of your surroundings. It creates the perfect opportunity for criminals to snatch your phone or other belongings without resistance,” he said.

"To combat the rise in robberies - particularly smash-and-grab incidents - police have increased police presence in hotspot areas such as Malibongwe Drive and Potsdam Road during peak commuting hours,” he said, adding that visibility has played a key role in reducing incidents, but residents are urged to do their part by be careful.

He said that motorists should not leave their cars unlocked, nor should they have any valuables, such as cellphones, handbags, or laptops, in plain sight.

He also said that doors and windows should be closed and locked at all times.