Springs police spokesman Capt Johannes Ramphora has issued a prompt alert to all residents to remain vigilant as criminals are once again using a tactic of fooling motorists.
These criminals target vehicles in public parking areas and remove a number plate while the vehicle is unattended.
They then wait for the motorist to return to their vehicle and to leave the parking area.
While driving, the culprits pull up next to the victim’s vehicle and flash the number plate.
Ramphora says the criminals, who are in possession of the number plate, then overtake the victim’s vehicle and show the number plate to the driver.
The motorist recognises the plate and pulls over for them to return the ‘fallen’ number plate.
“The purpose of this modus operandi is to hijack the vehicle as soon as the driver stops,” he says.
He adds that very few people check their number plates when they return to their vehicles.
“We urge the public not to fall victim to this criminal act and to immediately drive to the nearest police station and report the incident.”
