The City of Cape Town is intensifying security along the N2 and Sir Lowry’s Pass corridor following 215 smash-and-grab incidents detected by Metro Police CCTV between July 2024 and May 2025.
Additional deployments will target the N2 highway between Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Sir Lowry’s Pass, Baden Powell Drive, Borcherds Quarry and Airport Approach roads.
While Bonteheuwel to Langa remained the biggest hotspot, criminals have apprently spread operations to other areas including major traffic arteries. Most incidents occurred during peak hours and weekends when the N2 experiences heavy commuter traffic.
“These opportunistic criminals strike when people are perhaps less vigilant after a long day at work and stuck in peak-hour traffic, or it is a weekend when they tend to be more relaxed, and the odds increase of valuables such as shopping bags on backseats,” said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security.
Other prominent areas are Leonsdale, Beaconvale, the Foreshore, Elsies River Industria, Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi.
“One of our biggest challenges is that it is nearly impossible to determine the extent of the problem,” Smith said.
“The CCTV network only detects incidents within the camera footprint, and not all incidents are reported to the police.”
The City of Cape Town uses CCTV to monitor hotspots and conducts static patrols where resources allow, alongside dedicated daily patrols on the major routes like the N2, N7, R300 and N1.
“Ultimately vigilance is key. Before setting off on your journey, check that all of your valuables are in the boot of the vehicle, and that all the doors are locked and the windows closed,” Smith pointed out.
“Resist distractions such as checking your phone while stationary at an intersection, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic and keep your wits about you at all times.”
Motorists can reduce the risk of a smash-and-grab incidents by keeping valuables out of sight; locking all doors and closing windows; being cautious, vigilant and aware of their surroundings; and being wary of people loitering about at traffic lights or intersections.
Also beware of people attempting to distribute pamphlets or sell goods as not all are legitimate vendors.
If you spot people loitering at busy intersections, please report it to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre so that officers can respond proactively. To report suspicious activity, call 021 480 7700.
