The annual switch-on of the festive liggies took a criminal turn after cops nabbed nine youngsters when they broke into and ransacked two businesses in the Cape Town CBD in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police say just after 5am, a group broke the window of Rook Cycles, a popular cycle apparel and coffee shop in Long Street.
The shop has been closed and management shared CCTV footage on their Facebook page showing the break-in.
The caption reads: “...Oh, and thanks Cape Town City for the heads up on the tens of thousands of drunk / drugged idiots you invited to your ‘turning on the lights’ festival. #bikeshop #robbery #capetown. (sic)”
The 46-second video resembles a Black Friday sale as a large group of people storms into the store, ransacking the shelves and carrying off expensive bicycles.
Members of Cape Town Central Police Crime Prevention Unit responded swiftly.
“Seven people, aged between 14 and 24 years old, were taken to the police station. Police recovered six bicycles. The suspects will remain in custody until their first appearance at Cape Town Magistrates’ Court,” said Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana.
In another incident around the same time, a 17-year-old boy and girl, 15, were also arrested in Long Street, after they broke the front window of a shop and stole clothing.
Rook Cycles in Long Street ransacked
The City’s JP Smith says about 39 000 people attended the festivities and says a debriefing session will be held with all relevant role players soon.
“It is unfortunate, but the reality is that any large public access event is likely to attract a criminal element and we will probably never know the true extent of incidents like theft, as many people do not report the incidents.”