Cape Town - Car jammers were stopped in their tracks on their way to the Winelands region of Stellenbosch.
The suspects were prevented from committing their planned crime after municipal law enforcement officers received a tip-off about an incident in Bird Street on Tuesday.
When the suspects spotted the officers they made a run for it, but one suspect was apprehended.
Two devices, identified as car-jamming implements, were dropped by the suspect.
The Stellenbosch Municipality described the vigilance of the public as playing a huge role in stopping the crime.
“This would not have been possible without the vigilance of a member of the public, who immediately contacted our municipal control room as well as the additional guards assisting with parking and safety in the CBD area,” it said.
A suspect was apprehended and transported to Stellenbosch SAPS, where he was charged.
According to police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi, a case of possession of car-breaking implements was being investigated.
“Stellenbosch police responded to a complaint on Tuesday, January 2. When the patrol vehicle arrived in Bird Street, the people informed the police members of suspects in possession of devices which could possibly be jamming devices,” Swartbooi said.
“The suspect noticed the patrol vehicle and fled the scene.
“The members called for backup and managed to apprehend the suspect.”
Meanwhile, the crime statistics for the period July to September 2023, show that theft out of or from a motor vehicle increased from 6 467 to 6 791, or by 5%.
Western Cape MEC for police oversight and community safety, Reagan Allen urged motorists to be extra vigilant during the holiday season.
“It is important that all motorists are vigilant during this period, to leave no items in their vehicles and to ensure their vehicles are properly locked when they exit it.
“Criminals are always on the lookout for easy targets. Let’s ensure we report all those who are perpetrators in this regard or who might be planning on engaging in these illegal activities,” Allen added.
Police urged anyone who witnessed this incident or who were themselves victims of a similar crime to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.