People who exercise in the Burgundy Estate and Durbanville farm area are often the victims of robberies and attacks, a cyclist who uses this route told TygerBurger recently.
Gary Bannister said when these attacks happen, it is often shared on social media.
Bothasig police have however in the past issued warnings to the public who exercise in these areas to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, to remove all personal belongings when exercising and to run or walk in groups.
Bannister said in a recent email that with the sun rising earlier and the weather improving, more athletes are on the roads these days. He said the current area of his cycle route that is sometimes dangerous starts from Burgundy Estate along the route towards Durbanville.
Dangerous routes for cyclists, runners
Cycling out of Durbanville into the farming areas can be risky if you are not in a group, he said.
“With the awareness of the bicycle prices, cellphone prices and sport watches, criminals are targeting athletes.
“As a cyclist, I am aware of the hot-spots, but there will be a lot of other cyclists, runners and hikers who are totally unaware. Maybe, just like smash-and-grab warning signs at intersections, we need to start putting up signs for athletes that they are entering a high risk area,” Bannister said.
There is also a group of criminals that target parking areas at big sporting events and athletes need to be made aware that they are being watched and their cars are broken into and credit cards stolen, he explained.
Security company aware of the attacks
Neal de Wit, owner of the private security company Precinct Response, said this week they have been made aware of the matter regarding robberies in the Burgundy Estate and Durbanville farm area.
“I personally am involved in combating this outrageous crime taking place which is impeding on people’s rights to enjoy our beautiful countryside.
“I am also part of a group with around 30 members who are willing in their own capacity to help where we can, not only with patrols but with intel gathering on the perpetrators attacking innocent cyclists. We have deployed to countless attacks, arranging medical assistance and helping the victims where we can.
“I am led to believe the same crew operating these attacks was involved in a hijacking of a bakkie recently in that same area. The attacks in those areas have become more and more violent,” De Wit said.
He said they need a dedicated group of volunteers to try not only to disrupt the suspects through high visibility, but also stopping and warning joggers and cyclists to travel in groups.
