CITY OF CAPE TOWN
MEDIA RELEASE 17 May 2010 Metro Police offer motorists advice to prevent hijackings On Saturday evening, 15 May, two alert Metro Police officers came to the rescue of a motorist who narrowly escaped a hijacking attempt in Lansdowne Road, Nyanga. The driver of a red Mazda stopped at the intersection of Ems and Lansdowne Road and was approached by three male suspects. One of the suspects was armed and attempted to open the door on the driver’s side. The suspects then noticed a Metro Police patrol vehicle and opened fire on the officers. The red Mazda sped off and the Metro Police officers returned fire on the would-be hijackers. Metro Police then called for back-up and pursued the suspects. The suspects fled in the direction of the Brown’s Farm informal settlement and, despite a concerted effort by the officers, were able to escape. “The location of the attempted hijacking is known for incidents of violent crime. What is even more alarming is the fact that this is the second incident in less than two weeks in which our members assisted victims of an attempted hijacking. The other incident happened last Friday in Gordon’s Bay,” said Metro Police Deputy Chief, Yolanda Faro. “We want to appeal to motorists to please be vigilant when they are on the road. They need to observe their surroundings, particularly at traffic light intersections and especially late at night,” added Faro. The Metro Police recommend the following tips to reduce the risk of hijackings: Travel with all car doors locked and windows closed. Be aware of anybody who approaches your car. Observe the vehicle/s travelling behind you. If you think that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or to a safe place where there are large groups of people. If you believe you are being followed, do not enter your driveway. If possible, drive to the nearest police station. Do not stop at accident scenes if you are concerned for your safety. Rather alert the police to the location of the accident. · Do not become distracted by people handing out advertisements and flyers at intersections. Always take the keys out of the ignition when your vehicle is unattended and do not leave the doors open, particularly when you are opening your garage door. End Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Yolanda Faro, Deputy Chief: Metro Police, Tel: 021 427 5124 or Cell: 082 046 2062 Or Nowellen Petersen, Media Liaison Officer: Metro Police, Tel: 021 427 5137 or Cell: 074 619 6449 NOTE: This e-mail (including attachments) is subject to the disclaimer published at: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/disclaimer.aspx. Please read the disclaimer before opening any attachment or taking any other action in terms of this e-mail. If you cannot access the disclaimer, kindly send an email to disclai...@capetown.gov.za and a copy will be provided to you. By replying to this e-mail or opening any attachment you agree to be bound by the provisions of the disclaimer. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Observatory Neighbourhood watch" group. To post to this group, send email to obsnw@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to obsnw-unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/obsnw?hl=en
