Jeppe SAPS urged motorists to be vigilant at all times.
Spokesperson for the station Capt Richard Munyayi said they are concerned about the spate of car hijackings in the precinct.
“We have seen an increase in hijackings in areas like Bez Valley and Jeppestown,” he said.
Munyayi said motorists are hijacked while sitting inside the cars, parked in the streets at night.
“We appeal to people not to sit inside the cars while visiting their relatives. Rather go inside the house or drive to a safer place where there are more people around. Motorists should also be observant when stopping at traffic lights.
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“If they suspect that they are being followed by another car while driving home they must not stop and get out of the car to open the gates. Drive to the nearest police station or call for help.
“There is also a new trend where criminals are targeting cars that are parked in the streets especially where there is an event, a party or church event. Criminals are aware that cars have alarms. They fiddle with them so that the alarm is activated and when the owners come out to check what is happening, they would strike and hijack them. We are warning the motorists to be aware of this and if something like that happens they must not go out alone to check,” he said.
Munyayi said the station is also sending a stern warning to those reporting false hijackings.
“Some sell their cars in order to claim insurance. We will open a case of perjury and the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Contact Jeppe SAPS on 011 624 6042.
