Within a span of two weeks, 21 cases of theft out of motor vehicles were opened at Edenvale SAPS.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said the 21 cases made out the bulk of the 79 crimes reported between July 19 and August 1.
The second highest crime was the theft of motor vehicles, with 16 cases reported, followed closely by 14 residential burglaries.
Other crimes, included in the total, were seven business burglaries, five hijackings and four residential robberies.
Mashile said the sector with the most crimes reported was sector one (26 cases), followed by sector four (21 cases), sector two (20 cases) and sector three (12 cases).
He urged community members to be vigilant and make use of the following safety tips to try to prevent theft of and theft out of motor vehicles:
• Park vehicles in a well-lit and secure area when parking in a public area.
• Do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle.
• Try to take valuables with you when leaving your vehicle.
• Park the vehicle in a garage while at home.
• Make use of a steering lock and a gear lock.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked by testing the door handles.
• Know where your car keys are at all times.
• Use a vehicle tracking company if you can afford it.
Advice Mashile shared to prevent residential burglaries included:
• Close your curtains at night to prevent suspects from observing the activity inside the house.
• Always keep your garage door closed.
• Report any suspicious movement which could threaten you or your neighbours.
• Install security gates and keep them locked.
• Make use of an alarm system and arm it when you leave the house.
• Keep the entrance to your property clear of large plants to prevent suspects from being able to hide.
• Do not leave your wheelie bins outside the property unnecessarily.
• Make arrangements with neighbours when you plan to go away for holidays to keep an eye on your house.
“As the police, we are trying to do additional patrols to cover hotspots,” said Mashile.
“We are also working in close partnership with private security companies and Edenvale Community Policing Forum to try to reduce crime.”
Mashile reminded community members that by reporting suspicious activity as soon as possible, they could prevent crimes.
Fact box/ info box
Crimes can be reported to
• 10111
• 08600 10111 (Crime Stop)
• 011 553 8600 (Edenvale Police Station)
• 071 675 6841 (Sector one and three SAPS vehicle)
• 071 675 6844 (Sector two and four SAPS vehicle)
• 011 999 5041/2093 or 011 458 0911 (EMPD)
