CRIME SCENE: Table Mountain: Cape Town’s tourism season is gaining momentum, but so too are crime patterns targeting visitors at popular destinations.

On Sunday afternoon, officers from the City’s Law Enforcement Tourism Unit intercepted suspects after a vehicle alarm was triggered near Table Mountain. Two women were seen leaving the vehicle and entering an Uber, which was stopped by officers. Inside, a male passenger was found with suspected stolen property.

Further checks revealed that several vehicles in the vicinity had been tampered with. When hikers returned from the trail, they confirmed that items hidden inside their cars were missing. The stolen goods were recovered and the suspects arrested.

JP Smith, the City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, said protecting tourists is vital for Cape Town’s economy. 

“Tourism is far more than visitors taking photographs and spending money in our city. It supports thousands of livelihoods across accommodation, restaurants, transport, retail, hospitality, tour operators and countless businesses that form part of the tourism economy,” he said.

Smith added that visible policing around key tourism sites is being stepped up to counter crime trends.

“Our message is clear: we want visitors to experience the best of Cape Town, and we will continue working to ensure that criminal activity does not undermine the reputation of our city or the livelihoods that tourism supports.”

Authorities have urged visitors to stay alert, secure their vehicles, and avoid leaving valuables behind — even when hidden from sight.