Residents are warned against opening false cases of theft.
“An increasing number of residents are opening false cases of theft with the Edenvale SAPS,” said acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts.
He added that a number of recently reported cases at the station are under review by detectives and insurance companies.
“We have a close working relationship with various insurance companies. Those caught lying to the SAPS will be arrested for perjury,” said Lt Col Roberts.
Members of the SAPS became suspicious of fraudulent claims against insurance companies after a number of incidents were reported where items such as laptops and tablets were stolen from vehicles.
“There was an increase in theft from motor vehicles reported at shopping centres in Edenvale, especially in the Greenstone area, but a number of those reported were found to be false,” said Lt Col Roberts.
“Lying to the police is a serious offence. It adversely affects our crime statistics. High crime statistics will negatively affect property prices in Edenvale because no one wants to move into an area with high crime statistics,” he said.
Lt Col Roberts said an increase in falsely reported theft cases has also resulted in reluctance by insurance companies to pay out for goods taken from motor vehicles.
“Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle. Rather place them in the boot or leave them at home,” said Lt Col Roberts.
