30 January 2023 - Theft out of motor vehicle has for a long time been the dominant crime type in Claremont, with Newlands Forest regularly targeted by criminals.
Throughout the week, the forest parking lot is filled with vehicles as people make the most of our beautiful mountain trails; on weekends, as the parking lot brims over, both sides of the M3 can be rammed with cars. Unfortunately, the large number of unoccupied vehicles presents easy pickings for both opportunistic and organised criminals. In the last few months Claremont SAPS have reported a spike in both theft out of- and theft of motor vehicles from Newlands Forest.
1. Theft out of motor vehicle Opportunistic - window smashed. Car is ransacked for any items to steal, irrespective of value, and even if hidden in boot / under seats. Organised - remote jamming. Suspects block the signal when complainant attempts to lock the MV. Car doesn’t lock and contents of vehicle are quickly and easily removed.
Advice from SAPS:
• Do not leave any belongings whatsoever, in unattended motor vehicles parked in a public space. This does not only apply to Newlands Forest - vehicles parked at schools, shopping centres, sports complexes etc are all at risk.
• When alighting your vehicle, consistently make sure the doors are properly locked before you leave. If you don’t hear the “beep” or the locks “clicking down”, go and check.
2. Theft of motor vehicle Although a variety of vehicle makes / models have been stolen from the forest parking areas in the past, a current trend indicates that VW Polos are in high demand. In the first 2 months of 2023, over 10 x VW Polos have been stolen from Newlands Forest. It is suspected that the criminals committing these crimes are organised and in possession of sophisticated equipment to perpetuate their crimes. VW Polo drivers are urged to exercise great caution! 90% of the vehicles stolen from the forest have been VW Polos, 2005-2010 models. Arrests were made 4 weeks ago where the suspects were found in possession of a Bosch starter motor, VW keys and a VW ignition - but the theft of these vehicles has continued.
Advice from SAPS:
• Only park in busy, well-lit areas, ideally where security is present. This is not always possible at the forest, and especially not on the M3.
• Do not “hide” your keys in a friend’s vehicle - take them with you.
• If you cannot park in a safe place, rather make use of an e-hailing service.
3. Robbery There continue to be reports of muggings on various parts of the mountain. The increase in homelessness post the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a sharp rise in opportunistic criminals operating in the area. Many have gang affiliations and carry knives or makeshift / genuine weapons, which are used to threaten and rob trail-goers of their cellphones, wallets and other valuables. SAPS have advised that many of the victims have been females walking / running alone. The vast number of trails makes it difficult to pinpoint a hot-spot, but those trails close to the stone bridge seem to be recurring locations of crime. It is important to note that there is no pattern to these concerning robberies, and they are happening at all times of the day / night. A recent incident took place on the footpath alongside the M3 from Rhodes Memorial to Newlands Forest, where cyclists were robbed of their bicycles.
Advice from SAPS:
• Never walk / run / cycle on the mountain alone - please ensure safety in numbers at all times.
• Remove all valuables. Carry only essential items on the mountain trails.
• If you are confronted by criminal elements, be compliant - do not resist or engage with them. Claremont SAPS will be increasing patrols - both vehicular and pedestrian - and will be contacting SANParks in the hope that they too, will make an effort to curtail this spate of crime in and around the forest.
Lastly, if you are a victim of any crime, it is important to immediately report it to SAPS. In the absence of a criminal case being opened, perpetrators cannot be detained. Prepared by: Lt Col Fourie - Visible Policing Commander, Claremont SAPS Jane Chamberlin - Claremont Community Police Forum 30 January 2023