With the recent increase in the theft out of motor vehicle cases reported, police are urging motorists to be vigilant at any intersection and shopping centres or malls.
The recent incident occurred on the corner of Golden Drive and Snake Road, Morehill, on July 16 at around 7.15pm.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Captain Nomsa Sekele said the complainant alleges she stopped at the robot and she heard her motor vehicle window being smashed.
“Suddenly, an unknown man grabbed her Vodafone tablet out of her hands and fled,” said Sekele.
Constable Zama Madupela, Benoni SAPS communications officer, said it has been noted that some individuals open false cases for insurance purposes.
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“If anyone is found guilty of perjury they will be arrested, police are working on building a partnership with insurance companies to curb the rise of theft out of motor vehicle cases,” said Madupela.
“The Benoni SAPS station commander, Brigadier Johan Jacobs, condemns this as it gives him the wrong impression of crime and distorts his operations from fighting actual crime.”
Police shared the following tips that could save motorists from becoming victims:
• Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security guards at the shopping centre.
• Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicle’s glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law).
• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
• Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
• Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car.
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at robots.
• Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
• Lock your valuables in the boot before departure.
• At night, park in well-lit areas, if in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
• Get a map of the route and study it.
• Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
• Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when getting out of the car.
• Try to fit an alarm or anti-theft device in your car.
• Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.
• Be on the lookout for signs of smash-and-grab hotspots: evidence of broken glass on the side of the road could be a sign of smash-and-grabs having occurred there.
• Check blind spots when alone at an intersection: attacks from blind spots have become predominantly used in hijackings as motorists often only refer to their mirrors for visibility but don’t check their blind spots.
• In the event of a smash-and-grab, remain calm and let the thieves take the valuables as they may be armed, and go to a safe area and call 10111.
• Report the crime immediately: it is important to report the crime to the police as quickly as possible as this may help in identifying the culprit/s should they return to the scene of the crime.
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