Theft out of motor vehicles flaring up in Gauteng

Theft out of motor vehicles has once again been flagged as a growing concern in many suburbs around Johannesburg and Pretoria by the SAPS and Fidelity ADT.

“While pro-active patrolling by the community policing forums and security companies is keeping pressure on criminals, vehicle crime is on the increase,” says Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing & Communications Manager for Fidelity ADT. “We have seen incidents from as early as 08:00 and these continue throughout the day until 21:00.

”Residents are urged to also be vigilant. The most popular cars to steal from include Toyota Corollas; Yaris and VW Polos,” says Hattingh.

“Unfortunately, residents are too complacent when it comes to movable property outside their security perimeter,” she says.

Hattingh encourages residents to park inside their perimeter security if possible and, if not, to ensure that they do not leave any valuables in their vehicles if they are parked on the pavement. “It’s especially important not to leave any valuable items inside the car where they can be seen from the window. Rather lock these items in the boot,” she says.

She adds that residents should also be aware of ensuring their vehicles are locked when parked at shopping malls, schools, businesses and so on. “Remote jamming to block or jam the locking mechanism of motor vehicles has unfortunately become an everyday occurrence. Always check that the car is locked by testing the door. Don’t assume that by pressing the remote locking your car is automatically locked,” she says.

Hattingh asks residents to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS or security providers in the area.